Summer is making a much needed return next week with a mini heatwave - according to forecasters.

Temperatures are expected to hit 26 degrees by the middle of the week, perfect for barbecues and trips to the coast.

Monday is set to be 25 degrees with lots of sunshine and light winds across Southend, with moderate pollen and UV levels.

And the mercury will keep rising as it reaches 26 degrees for Tuesday and Wednesday with a gentle breeze and lots of sunshine of Wednesday.

Weather experts also say Thursday will also see hot weather with 24 degrees expected.

It will turn by Friday with rain expected but still a warm day at 23 degrees too.

The town will also experience a bright weekend, with a cloudy but mostly dry start to Saturday.

Sunday will “stay dry with warm sunny spells”, according to the Met Office.

Forecasters have said September could experience "more rain and wind" than in August.

Parts of the UK have seen unseasonable amounts of rainfall over the summer.

The colder conditions have caused "significant problems" for harvests in the south east, according to the National Farmers Union.

But the hotter weather might also bring thunderstorms with it, forecasters have warned.