Forecasters have also warned of more rain on the way this weekend after thunderstorms and torrential downpours were predicted to hit the region tomorrow.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of rain for the East of England, including Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk, from 1pm until 11pm on Friday.

James Wilby, forecaster at Weatherquest, said there is a 30%-40% chance of thunderstorms hitting the region tomorrow.

Warm, humid air coming up from France will bring the threat of thunderstorms and torrential downpours which have the potential for 25mm-30mm of rainfall in an hour.

Mr Wilby said: “We could start to see a few heavy showers and thunderstorms developing through the afternoon. Some locations could get away with nothing. It is pretty difficult to specify one location. Most are at risk, but the models are favouring central Suffolk and Norfolk. But Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex are equally at risk.

“There is a 30% to 40% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon which could bring some pretty heavy rain in a short duration. There could be a few lightning strikes around and the showers could be quite lively.

“There could be another push from London at around 10pm/11pm at night. But the second part of the night should be dry as the risk dimishes.”

Temperatures tomorrow could rise to 25C (77F) and then drop to 18C (64.4F) or 19C (66.2F) over the weekend.

Mr Wilby added: “It looks mostly dry through Saturday, although it will feel noticeably fresher. There is a chance of an isolated shower.

“On Sunday, there is a higher risk of longer spells of rain pushing from the west in the afternoon. Saturday looks like the better of the two days currently.”

The Met Office said in its East of England yello warning of rain: “There is the risk of torrential downpours on Friday afternoon and evening.

“Whilst most places will miss the worst, it could lead to localised surface water flooding and difficult driving conditions. Frequent lightning and perhaps hail could be additional hazard.”