Environment Agency officers are monitoring potential flooding around the rivers Beam and Rom this weekend.

A Yellow Flood Warning had previously been put in place warning of flooding today (Thursday, July 22).

The passing risk of thunderstorms in the area has led to the warning being rescinded, with staff now monitoring water levels ahead of forecast heavy rainfall and thunderstorms on Saturday and Sunday, the Environment Agency said.

A spokesperson for the agency added: “No flooding is currently expected for today, but there is further rainfall forecast for the weekend.

“We are monitoring this forecast closely and will issue further alerts if required.”

The heatwave which has baked the county is expected to end with thunderstorms this weekend, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning across Essex, and much of England and Wales, on Saturday and Sunday, saying heavy rain and thundery showers could cause flooding and transport disruption.

The weather warning was issued the day after England reached its hottest temperature of the year on Tuesday – 32.2C recorded at Heathrow Airport.