Forecasters say there is an increasing chance of Colchester being hit by thunderstorms this afternoon. 

The Met Office has not issued a weather warning as yet but says there is a high per cent chance of thundery downpours across the area.

Showers are expected to turn heavy and thundery throughout the afternoon, with periods of rain lasting longer than this morning. 

The Met Office suggesting there is a 70 per cent chance of storms triking between 3pm and 5pm. 

At 6pm it is a 60 per cent chance and this falls to 50 per cent by 7pm.

The heavy rain will eventually clear by 8pm when a brighter end to the day is forecast. 

Tomorrow is set to be the best day in terms of weather for the rest of the week, with highs of 22c forecast in Colchester and long periods of sunshine expected. 

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A mix of sunshine and heavy rain is expected on Friday and throughout the weekend. 

The Met Office says the weather will remain changeable in the first week of August. 

The forecast for Thursday says:  "A bright start but with patchy cloud developing during the morning.

"A risk of the odd light shower breaking out in the afternoon and evening. Warm. Maximum temperature 23 °C."

The outlook for Friday to Sunday said: "Rather changeable with spells of heavy rain at times, followed by brighter periods with a continued risk of showers. Generally mild or warm."