Thundery showers hit parts of East Anglia this morning and there is a risk of more significant storms later this afternoon.

Parts of Suffolk and Essex experienced thunderstorms this morning, with showers hitting Bury St Edmunds around 4.15am.

Today will become very hot with sunshine before the chance of heavier storms with hail and gusty winds.

Temperatures are forecast to be near record-breaking again, around the 32C/33C (91F) mark.

The evening is expected to be very humid, with thunderstorms continuing, but the threat will decrease during the night.

Adam Dury, forecaster with Weatherquest, said: “Even though thunderstorms have hit the west of the region, temperatures today are still expected to reach 31/32C. Eastern areas could see 33C/34C.

“The early part of the afternoon will be dry but thunderstorms are expected across Suffolk later in the afternoon and into the early evening.”

Temperatures on Saturday will be between 21-25C – around 10C cooler than recent days.

There is a chance of a shower on Saturday and Sunday but most places are expected to stay dry.

Mr Dury added: “It’s definitely cooling. Saturday we’re probably looking at 24C/25C (75-77F) and on Sunday it’s likely to be around 21C/22C (69-71F).

“So definitely better for sleeping.”

The Met Office has issued an amber thunderstorm warning for the east of England between 2pm and 8pm today.

The warning states that flooding of homes and businesses is likely and could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

East Anglian Daily Times: There is a chance of heavy thunderstorms today but it's still very hot Picture: ALAN BALDRYThere is a chance of heavy thunderstorms today but it's still very hot Picture: ALAN BALDRY (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

Spray and sudden flooding could also lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, with power cuts likely, the Met Office warns.

Looking ahead to next week, forecasters are unsure whether the temperatures will return to the highs we have seen this week.

But after the recent warm weather led to an increase in health-related conditions, doctors are urging people to follow sensible advice to avoid the ill-effects.

Matt Piccaver, of Glemsford Surgery, near Sudbury, said those most at risk were older people and very young children as well as those with underlying health conditions, particularly heart and respiratory problems.

“The main way we regulate our body temperature as humans is through behavioural changes as opposed to any physiological processes,” he added. “So my advice to anyone during this hot weather is to stay out of the sun, particularly at the height of the afternoon, avoid too much strenuous activity and drink plenty of fluids. People should also keep an eye on older relatives or neighbours to make sure they are also taking plenty of water.”

Helen Beck, chief operating officer at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our hospital has seen an increase in heat-related conditions and minor injuries such as dehydration, skin rashes and insect bites in this period of hot weather.

“It’s important to take precautions to ensure your own health and safety in the heat.”