EAST Anglia continued to bask in scorching temperatures as the mercury soared to its highest level so far this year. The mini-heatwave saw temperatures in the region rise to 83F (28C) yesterday and coastal areas reached 72F (22C) - significantly hotter than usual.

EAST Anglia continued to bask in scorching temperatures as the mercury soared to its highest level so far this year.

The mini-heatwave saw temperatures in the region rise to 83F (28C) yesterday and coastal areas reached 72F (22C) - significantly hotter than usual.

Although sun-lovers can enjoy further sunny skies today, weather experts predict a change, with thunderstorms and showers from Thursday.

EADT weatherman Ken Blowers said: "Today is going to be a hot, humid and sticky day with temperatures going up close to 80F before we get an area of thundery rain and thundery showers coming from the south.

"We have had an anti cyclone over us in the past week and that's now moving away and we will be under the influence of a thundery depression which will be centred over the UK.

"Some time on Thursday, temperatures will decrease and Friday will be about 73F (23C)."

Temperatures yesterday reached their peak in many areas of the UK, with 32C (90F) recorded in Bristol, 31C (88F) at Heathrow Airport, 30C (86F) in central London and 32C at Gatwick Airport.

Forcasters said temperatures would fall tomorrow as more humid and thundery weather moved in from the South West.

The stormy weather could spread as far as Midlands by tomorrow evening but temperatures would still be very warm.

Meanwhile, police detectives in Suffolk launched an appeal yesterday for homeowners to remain vigilant during the warm weather after a spate of household burglaries.

Thousands of pounds of electrical items and cash have been stolen during a number of raids on homes in Newmarket this month .

Police said every household burglary in the last two weeks in the town has been due to residents leaving their doors and windows open.

Det Con Lisa Hunt said: "It takes no time at all for an opportunist thief to spot an open window or an insecure door, walk in, take an item of either financial or sentimental value and walk back out.

"In the recent run of hot weather it can be very tempting to deliberately leave a window open, but if we make a point of checking all windows and doors prior to going out or leaving the home, we could save any potential heartache of having our valuables stolen."

The latest incidents saw three homes in Newmarket targeted between midnight on Sunday and 7.45am on Monday .