THOUSANDS of sun-seekers have been enjoying Southend's beaches this weekend as scorching temperatures and hot summer sun formed the perfect backdrop for a weekend break. 

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Beaches were brimming with people and traders were doing a roaring trade as visitors flocked to the town baskingin sunshine. 

Echo: Visitors enjoy a lazy day on the waterVisitors enjoy a lazy day on the water

Today, another hot day is in store with temperatures in the 30Cs.

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The mercury looks set to reach 35C today.

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It comes as the Met Office warned that "severe thunderstorms" are likely early next week.

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Southern and central England is set to enjoy temperatures in the high 20Cs, while cloud and breezes in some places may result in milder weather in the high teens.

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Mr Snell said: "There is some contrast. For some of us the heatwave will continue on Sunday and beyond."

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It comes after Friday saw the hottest August day in 17 years, with the mercury hitting 36.4C at Heathrow and Kew Gardens.

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Saturday's top temperature was 34.5C - which was recorded at Frittenden in Kent, Wiggonholt in West Sussex, and Herstmonceux in East Sussex, the Met Office said.

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Many places are set for a "quite grey" start on Sunday - with cloud coming in across the North Sea, but that will burn away, according to Mr Snell.

Echo: Taking a dip - at a social distance?Taking a dip - at a social distance?

There will be lots of sunshine which may trigger a few showers later on across the southern half of the UK.

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Temperatures across England and Wales are expected to reach the high 20cs and low 30Cs, with Scotland and Northern Ireland having a few locations that may hit 24C.

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Mr Snell said: "Overall Scotland and Northern Ireland are not tapping into the really hot air which parts of England will be experiencing on Sunday."

However, thunderstorms are forecast for next week.

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Yellow thunderstorm warnings for all parts of the UK have been issued for Monday through to Wednesday. The warning states: "Some places are likely to see severe thunderstorms early next week - but there is significant uncertainty in location and timing."

Dan Harris, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, said some places are likely to be hit with up to 80mm of rain in just a few hours.

Echo: A beautiful day in SouthendA beautiful day in Southend

He said that "the ingredients are there" for them to strike, but "it's just too early to pinpoint the details of exactly where and when thunderstorms will occur".

Saturday, for the second day in a row, saw crowds of people headed for the coast - with images showing packed out beaches.

South East Water urged its customers to put away their hose pipes, garden sprinklers and garden water toys as it said that a spike in demand had left some people with low water or no water.