A drought has been declared for all of the east of England today as the heatwave continues.

Essex is going through another summer heatwave, with temperatures of about 30C hitting the area throughout today and over the weekend.

The Met Office has also issued an amber weather warning of extreme heat which started yesterday and is in place until Sunday.

Parts of the South West, parts of southern and central England, and the East of England are to be moved into drought status, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said.

This comes after the driest July on record for some areas and the driest first half of the year since 1976.

Read more >>> Major reservoir serving south Essex is drying up amid another heatwave

As Hanningfield Reservoir, one of the main sources of water for residents in Southend, is drying up, and other effects of the ongoing heatwave are continuing to be felt, many Britons are wondering when we will next experience rain.

In Southend, Basildon and Castle Point, the Met Office is forecasting rain to next hit on Monday (August 16) at 4pm.

There is a 50 per cent chance of rain from 4pm in all three areas.

This lowers to 30 per cent from 7pm and will end by 10pm in Southend and Castle Point, while it is expected to no longer rain in Basildon by 7pm.

Despite this, temperatures are still expected to remain in the high 20s with cloud and sun throughout the day.

For more information on future forecasts, visit metoffice.gov.uk.