THUNDERSTORMS forecast for a large area of the country since Monday are now forecast for tomorrow (Friday, 14 August) afternoon.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for thunder, lightning and heavy rain - potentially leading to some flooding - that has remained in place since the weekend. However, Maldon has stayed hot and dry for the past week.

Maldon District Council placed a link to the Met Office yellow warning for thunder, lightning and heavy rain on its home page yesterday afternoon as temperatures in the town remained in the mid-thirties. A yellow weather warning means there could be some disruption - for example, to travel.

'Tropical nights' – meaning nights where the temperature falls to drop below 20 degrees – have now persisted for the past four nights and it is currently forecast that tonight hot and humid conditions will continue, with a possible drop to 19 degrees in the early hours of the morning.

It is understood that the county's emergency services and local authority staff have worked together to prepare for any potential weather situation that emerges in the coming days.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is warning drivers to take extra care on the roads if they find themselves in heavy rain.

Jim Palmer, Assistant Director, Head of Prevention and Protection said: "Driving in wet conditions can be dangerous, especially after a spell of hot weather as grime and oil builds up on the roads to make it much more slippery. It's always better to avoid driving in heavy rain, but if you do have to head out on the roads, please take extra care and follow our safety advice."

Advice for driving in heavy rain includes:

-Allow extra time for your journey as you may need to find an alternative route if the roads are flooded or closed

- Don't use cruise control in wet weather, as the chance of losing control increases. To prevent loss of traction the driver may need to lift off the accelerator and reduce speed. This cannot be achieved if cruise control is engaged

- Turn your headlights on to increase your visibility

- Give yourself the best chance of being able to see clearly in wet weather by renewing windscreen wipers if worn or damaged

- Stopping distances are greatly increased when the roads are wet, so make sure you increase the distance between you and the car in front.

-Do not brake suddenly

- If you come across a flooded road, simply do not take the risk. You cannot know exactly how deep the flooded area is, and what the condition of the roads is under the water. You will not only ruin your car, but you'll put yourself in danger, too.

Jim said: "We work in partnership with the Safer Essex Roads Partnership and are committed to making the roads of Essex safer to travel, so we are urging everyone to take our advice and stay safe on the roads."