Essex is set to bask in warm temperatures until next Sunday - although thunderstorms could be on the way.

Temperatures are set to reach 27 degrees on Monday and will stay in the high 20s throughout the week.

However, there may be showers which possibly turn thundery on Wednesday and Thursday, but the temperatures will soon shoot straight back up.

The hot weather is being caused by the jet stream which has moved to the north of Britain, meaning high pressure is now blanketing the country.

This is sucking hot air from southern Europe and bringing us the high temperatures.

Combine this with the long June days, when the sun is at its highest in the sky, and it is no surprise that we are currently basking in a heatwave.

Halstead Gazette: