Experts say properties built on clay soils, which are common across the region are increasingly vulnerable to so-called shrink swell behaviour.

This is when the ground beneath their foundations expands after heavy rainfall and contracts during dry spells, like the current heatwave.

The movement can undermine building foundations leading to cracking walls, distorted doors and windows, and in some cases severe structural damage.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) has published maps highlighting how conditions could change as the climate warms.

Its worst-case scenario assumes fossil fuel use and other pollution keep rising strongly over the coming decades, bringing more extreme heat, droughts and heavy rain.

Maps showing areas at risk from subsidence caused by climate change produced by the British Geological Survey, with the worst-case scenario affecting much of East Anglia on the right (Image: British Geological Survey)

It shows large swathes of Norfolk, including Norwich, south Norfolk and Breckland would be impacted, along with much of Suffolk.

Parts of west Norfolk around the Wash, the Fens along the Great........

© Norwich Evening News