SUFFOLK was today bracing itself for a soaking as violent thunderstorms headed north east from the south coast of England.There was rush-hour chaos to the south of London as the heatwave broke in spectacular style - and a man was struck by lightning near Clacton.

SUFFOLK was today bracing itself for a soaking as violent thunderstorms headed north east from the south coast of England.

There was rush-hour chaos to the south of London as the heatwave broke in spectacular style - and a man was struck by lightning near Clacton. He escaped virtually unscathed.

Yesterday's searing temperatures of 30C were the hottest since early August 2003, when another heat wave made the county sweat. However, today was set to be slightly cooler, with highs of around 24C.

Forecasters said southern England was in line for further of storms later today, some of them likely to bring hailstones of 2-3cm and winds of up to 50mph.

Thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds will batter south east England as warm air moves up from France and meets cooler air coming in from the Atlantic.

London-based weather forecaster Matthew Dobson said: "As the day goes on there will be more storms developing. This afternoon will see the highest risk of thunderstorms.

"The London area, south east England and East Anglia may be sunny for a while and then thunderstorms will develop bringing heavy rain with frequent lightening with the risk of flash flooding.

The fair conditions set for the weekend will see highs of around 22C in the day and much more comfortable night temperatures of 13C.

Have you suffered in the Suffolk heat? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk