Dazzling sunshine has poured down on Suffolk and north Essex this weekend – with sun-seekers flocking to coastal resorts to enjoy the hot weather.
Temperatures soared up to 28C in the region earlier this week – and a record 29.1C recorded in London made Thursday the hottest April day for 70 years. Sweltering conditions on Friday and Saturday continued the trend of unseasonably warm weather – and today’s hot temperatures have made this year’s London Marathon the warmest on record.
Several action-packed events this weekend have benefitted from scorching temperatures and glorious sunshine – including the Corbeau Seats Rally in Tendring, Kesgrave Bike Show, St Helena Hospice Pier to Pier Walk and the fly-fishing tournament at South Elmham.
But this may all change this evening – as weather forecasters warn of an increased risk of thunderstorms.
Weatherquest expert Dan Holley said: “If we can get enough heating today, a few thunderstorms could develop this afternoon across the region, drifting to the NE – risk is greatest across the eastern half of the region.
“Wind gusts to 45mph and hail up to 1.5cm in diameter possible.”
Most of Suffolk and north east Essex could be hit by storms, according to Mr Holley, who predicts a 30-45% risk for towns such as Ipswich, Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Lowestoft, Colchester and Chelmsford.
“Potent” thunderstorms hit Diss around 6pm, Mr Holley reported on social media.
Diss Cricket Club tweeted a video of hail coming down over Rectory Meadow.
A reader from Redgrave has also sent in a picture of her garden covered in hail.
Have you enjoyed the sun this weekend? Send your hot weather pictures to us here.
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