The Met Office has issued a 7-hour weather warning for thunderstorms in south Essex on Saturday.

While the experts say many places will be largely dry, and temperatures are set to hit 25C this weekend, thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail are likely to develop in south Essex on Saturday afternoon.

Forecasters have therefore issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms from 2pm to 9pm on Saturday (June 10), which covers the south of the county and parts of mid Essex.

Here's what to expect, according to the Met Office:

  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and possibly even cancellations to rail services
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be temporarily lost

The experts explain: "High temperatures developing across parts of England and Wales on Saturday are expected to trigger a scattering of showers across this area, some of which are likely to be torrential and thundery, bringing 30-40mm in an hour.

"The odd place affected by multiple showers could see more than this, perhaps in excess of 60mm.

"As well as rain, hail, strong gusts of wind, and lightning will be additional hazards.

"Despite all of this, many places in the warning area will remain dry, or only see small amounts of rain, due to the well scattered nature of the heaviest showers."