Essex is expected to see sunshine across the county today (April 16) as this week’s warm weather continues through the start of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. But while temperatures are expected to reach up to 16C in parts of Essex, the mild weather is not going to last.

Today will be the last day of sunshine, with clouds arriving overnight and staying in place until next week – so make the most of the sunbathing opportunities while you can. But don’t stay out in the sun too long, as UV rays are expected to reach level 5, which the Met Office says could be dangerous by midday.

But today the temperatures will match those of some hot and sunny European countries. Greece and Ibiza in the Balearic Islands are expected to experience 17C and 16C respectively. This means some towns in Essex could see similar temperatures.

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The Met Office weather forecast for the east of England reads: “Dry and warm in the west on Saturday with lots of sunny spells, but cooler in the east. Any patches of fog in northern coastal areas -is dissipating soon. Maximum temperature 19°C.”

Below we have listed the weather in the main locations in Essex for today. All forecasts were taken from the Met Office website. Updated forecasts are available from 5am each day.

Basildon

Sunny all day. Highs of 15C and lows of 8C. Average UV rays in the middle of the day.

Colchester

Bright and sunny all day. Highs of 14C and lows of 8C. Average UV rays.

Chelmsford

Cloudy then sunny around 8 a.m. Highs of 15C and lows of 7C. Average UV rays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Clacton

Bright and sunny. Highs of 11C and lows of 8C. Average UV rays.

Harlow

One hour of cloudiness in the first hour, becoming sunny at 8 am. Highs of 17C and lows of 7C. Average UV rays.

Southend

Sunny all day. Highs of 14C and lows of 8C. Average UV rays.

Thurrock

Sunny. Highs of 16C and lows of 8C. Average UV rays.

Saffron Walden

Sunny all day. Highs of 16C and lows of 7C. Average UV rays.

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