Forecasters are warning thunderstorms could hit Essex again next week as the summer weather remains on hold.

Hot temperatures and sunny skies have given way to cloud and rain in most parts of the county in the past week.

The Essex Weather Centre has warned there is unlikely to be any big improvement in the weather in the next seven days, with more rain and even thunderstorms on the horizon.

It has also said the chances of a heatwave hitting in the second week of July remain low.

The centre said in a series of tweets: “Less settled over the next 10 days with heavy showers or longer spells of rain at times.

“Monday and Tuesday likely to see the worst of the downpours with thunder possible.

“Temperatures not far from average over the next 10 days, low probability of very warm/hot weather developing 2nd week of July.

“Comfortable nights for sleeping at least.”

The Met Office’s forecast for the weekend suggests there may be some sunny spells tomorrow morning in parts of Essex.

But it is likely to be cloudy for much of the weekend, with top temperatures of 21c.

The Met Office has echoed the Essex Weather Centre's attempts to downplay a possible heatwave in July. 

But it has failed to rule out the propsect in its long-range forecast between July 10 and July 24. 

It says: “Despite confidence remaining low through this period, the emphasis is on fine and dry weather for the majority of the UK through much of the rest of July.

“Some northwestern areas may perhaps experience slightly more rain and more cloud than elsewhere, but throughout there is a very low risk of thundery conditions, especially in southern areas, and more likely later in the period.

“Above average temperatures continue to maintain the strongest signal, which increases the possibility of some very warm or hot spells occurring.”