FORECASTERS have warned of heavy rain in Essex for the next three days, dashing hopes of a quick return to sunny summer weather.

The Met Office has issued three separate yellow warnings for rain in the county, with the first remaining in force until 10pm tonight.

Two further warnings have also been issued, from 10am until 9pm on Wednesday and 10am until 10pm on Thursday.

The forecast said: "Scattered heavy, thundery showers are expected to develop yet again on Wednesday, and will lead to slow-moving downpours.

"As on preceding days, some locations will miss these downpours, but please be aware of possible localised flooding and disruption to travel where they do occur."