EVEN though it is June, the beautiful warm weather has still not arrived – so when can South Essex expect to see some sun?

According to the Met Office, it has been the coldest start to June for four years, with temperatures below the average for the month.

Those wishing to enjoy some really hot weather may have to wait a bit longer as the cloudy and rainy conditions are set to continue across the county.

Today, clouds are expected to gradually build with a few heavy showers.

On Wednesday, conditions should be predominantly dry with the occasional sunny spell and patchy clouds. However, the coast is expected to be cooler due to an onshore breeze.

By the end of the week, there is a low chance of heavy rain on Friday, but the weekend is expected to be drier with sunny spells.

Long-range forecasts in south Essex between June 22 and July 1 could bring a little more joy with "warmer than average conditions more likely”.

The Met Office stated: "A change to cloudier weather with outbreaks of rain, these most prevalent in the west of the UK, is expected to be well underway by the start of the forecast period.

"However, this may not last too long, as it continues to look increasingly likely that a drier, warmer, and settled spell will begin to develop later this coming weekend, and into the following week.

"There is a small chance that this could persist for much of the rest of the period, turning increasingly hot, however by mid-next week a large range of outcomes which also include a small chance of colder, more unsettled weather also become possible.

"Generally settled, and warmer than average conditions appear most likely."