Heatwave alert to remain in place for Norfolk and Waveney but temperatures will drop by end of week

Lucy Ingram enjoying the sunshine in Hunstanton. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

The level three warning from the Met Office states hot and humid conditions are to persist in parts of the east of England for the next few days and the warning is in place until 9am on Thursday.

But some parts of the county have already seen temperatures drop considerably since yesterday, with lunchtime highs in Norwich of 21C. Forecasters have said the fresher conditions will continue into the weekend before unsettled weather returns next week.

MORE: Norwich ice cream man helps the homeless during one of the hottest days of the yearTemperatures across the county will be varied today with highs of 30C in the west but east Norfolk and Norwich will see temperatures peak at 24C.

James Wilby of Norwich-based Weatherquest said despite the humid feel fresher conditions will soon arrive.

Cool for cats as one of the tigers at Banham Zoo cools off from the hot sun in a pool in his enclosure. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

'There will be a more easterly breeze this afternoon bringing a fresher feel even in western parts,' he said. 'It will be mild overnight and tomorrow will be another hot day in west Norfolk with highs of 30C but it will remain slightly fresher in the rest of the county with highs of 24C.

'On Thursday it will be warm in the morning with highs of 27C by midday but there will be a chance of thunder storms in the afternoon.'

MORE: Norfolk firefighters issue water safety warning as county swelters in heatwave

By Friday it will feel noticeably cooler and going into the weekend there will be highs of 22C and the risk of showers on Saturday and Sunday.

A file picture showing a very hot and sunny Gorleston beach. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk � 2016)

Unsettled weather will return next week with it being potentially breezy and there is a risk of showers. Early indications for the Norfolk Show on Wednesday and Thursday show temperatures will be back to average for this time of year and there is a risk of showers particularly on the Thursday.

'Unfortunately it doesn't look like we will be seeing the kind of temperatures we have seen over the past few days.' Mr Wilby added.

Enjoying the hot weather in Norwich Castle gardens. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

June heatwave. Diss looking splendid in the sunshine. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)