Summer so far? Simply ...scorchio!
Sunseekers flocked to the beach as the south coast enjoyed one of the hottest days of the year so far.
Young and old topped up their tans on Southsea beach, fired up the barbecues and enjoyed a cool ice cream at the pier.
The highest recorded temperature yesterday was 82F (28C) at Thorney Island, near Emsworth.
While Southsea wasn't too far behind, reaching 78.8F (26C) at its peak.
John Hammond, forecaster for the Met Office, said it had been a great day for getting out to the seaside.
'It has been one of the hottest days of the year so far, especially on the coast because of the light variable winds.
'In this part of the world when we get into the mid 20s it is a great time to get out and about to enjoy the sun.'
Sheila and Neville Hardyman did just that, taking in the landscape views over the Solent as they leisurely sat on a bench near to Castle Field, Southsea.
The pair, of Old Manor Way, Cosham, even brought a picnic with them to make the most of their day out in the sunshine together.
'It is beautiful here,' smiled Sheila, 66.
Neville, 70, added: 'We are very lucky because Portsmouth has so many things to show visitors.'
Among the visitors were couple Chris Price and Irene Horsfall, who had come to Southsea for the day from Pirbright, Surrey.
Chris, 55, said: 'We have four grandchildren and they love it along the seafront.
'It is a regular thing we do – it's only an hour away for us.' The couple took in the sights of Southsea Castle and the beach on their day trip to the seaside.
Irene, 55, added: 'I think sometimes the closer you are to places you don't appreciate it as much, but we love it here.'
Friends Lacey Smith and Pearl Prior had raced to the beach after hearing it was set to be a scorcher.
The 14-year-olds, who were given permission to have a day off from school because they weren't taking part in a sports day, topped up their tans as they lay in the sun.
Lacey, of Knox Road, Stamshaw, said: 'We are working on our tans. It is great, it's so relaxing. We love being by the beach.'
Pearl, of Penhale Road, Fratton, added: 'We heard on the radio that it was going to be a hot day so we wanted to come down.
'I think they should make more of the seafront really – they are turning it all into flats!'
And relaxing with a book, listening to the sound of the waves lapping up the shore, was Myrtle Bremer.
The 62-year-old semi-retired teacher, who lives in Southsea and visits the beach almost every day, said: 'My parents moved down here to enjoy the weather and I have been here all my life.
'I come down most days, it is wonderful and relaxing.'
...THERE'S MORE TO COME
John Hammond, forecaster for the Met Office, predicted today would be cooler with highs of 73F (23C) and sunny intervals.
He predicted that although there are showers around, Portsmouth should miss them.
Saturday should still be dry and sunny, with highs of about 72F (22C).
Mr Hammond added: 'Tomorrow will be the better of the weekend days, there are possible showers but we should get away with it.'
Sunday should be about 69F (21C) and mostly dry with a slight chance of showers. On Monday, July 6 temperatures will remain at about 69F (21C) and the chance of showers will remain.
There will be winds from the east, making it feel cooler than it actually is.
Tuesday will stay feeling cooler with highs of 69F (21C) and more chance of rain. By Wednesday the weather should pick up again and should remain dry onwards for the rest of the week with temperatures reaching 72F (22C) until Friday.
WE LOVE THE SUN - BUT THE WATER'S COLD
Among those making the most of the summer sun yesterday were three Polish girls who had come over to Portsmouth for a holiday.
Anna Lewecka, Alexandra Sabo and Kamila Osman are currently spending a week in the city.
The three women, who are all students in Poland, could have been forgiven for mistaking Southsea for Spain as they splashed in the sea and lay basking in soaring temperatures of 82F (28C).
'We like the sea but it is a bit cold!' laughed 24-year-old Alexandra Sabo.
She added: 'We just love the sunshine, it is nice and relaxing.'
The trio, who were staying with friends at Stafford Road, Southsea, for their trip, said they loved the area.
Anna Lewecka, 24, said: 'It is a really beautiful place – we love the weather here.
'We love the pubs and the small cafes where we can sit and chat. We love Gunwharf for the shopping!'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
