FROM the hottest night ever to torrential downpours – there has never been weather like it.Sunday night's scorcher, the hottest since records began, came at the end of nearly two weeks of sunshine and rising mercury.

FROM the hottest night ever to torrential downpours – there has never been weather like it.

Sunday night's scorcher, the hottest since records began, came at the end of nearly two weeks of sunshine and rising mercury.

But today's flashes of lighting, rumbling thunder and dramatic deluge heralded the end of the heatwave.

Evening Star weatherman Ken Blowers said: "The thirteen days spell of sunshine and heat is over.

"It peaked on Saturday and Sunday with temperatures of 81 degrees Fahrenheit in Ipswich, which is 27 degrees Celsius.

"Last night was the warmest night ever across a wide area of the UK, including East Anglia, it did not drop blow 71F, 22C.

"This is unusual because the average temperature in August during the day is 70F, 21C."

The heat is caused by the degeneration of a week-old hurricane which has brought with it hot, humid, tropical air to the UK.

Mr Blowers said: "Now centred just off Ireland are the remains of Hurricane Alex. These remains are pumping hot moist air across the UK from the south and that was why it was so hot last night."

The outlook for today and this week promises falling temperatures and cooler nights.

He said: "It is here already and there is much more to come. The thunderstorms are coming from the south and moving up the country.

"They have already hit Kent and the Thames Estuary and are here now.

"For the next two to three days there will be unsettled weather with heavy thundery rain at times."

There is also some good news for those finding sleep difficult.

Mr Blowers said: "Highest temperatures over the next few days will drop to 77F, 25C and overnight will be somewhat cooler, down to 61F, 16 C."

A year ago tomorrow records were broken across the country as temperatures hit the 100f mark, in Ipswich the mercury touched 95F, 35C.

"On August 10 last year it was the hottest ever recorded in our area, tomorrow will be about 77F, 25C, today may well be a point warmer at 78F 26C and dropping tomorrow."

n A Felixstowe road was blocked today by a fallen tree.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said the tree was blown down by wind at about 9.30am in Orwell Road at the junction with Leopold Road. There were no reports of any injuries.