THE Met Office has issued a weather warning as thunderstorms are predicted in Essex tonight. 

Yellow weather warnings have been issued for parts of the UK today as scorching hot temperatures could bring storm spells to Britain.

The Met Office said: "Many places staying dry, but isolated thunderstorms may cause some travel disruption."

Lightning strikes could damage buildings with power outages possible, the forecaster warned.

Echo:

The Met Office added: “Along with some very hot weather today, a few thunderstorms are likely to break out during the late afternoon and evening.

“Where thunderstorms do occur frequent lightning is expected, along with gusty winds.

“Unlike many days with thunderstorms over the UK, relatively little in the way of heavy rain is expected.“However, a few places may be unlucky and catch a heavy downpour, perhaps even with some hail, and as much as 15-20 mm rain could fall in less than an hour, most likely in Eastern England.”

The warning is in place from 4pm today until midnight.