It's the Costa del Solent as beaches are jam-packed!

SUN-SEEKERS packed the beaches for what was the hottest day of the year today.
Joan Smith and her husband Jim from Waterlooville, enjoying an ice cream in the sunshine
Picture: Sarah Standing (161038-3571)Joan Smith and her husband Jim from Waterlooville, enjoying an ice cream in the sunshine
Picture: Sarah Standing (161038-3571)
Joan Smith and her husband Jim from Waterlooville, enjoying an ice cream in the sunshine Picture: Sarah Standing (161038-3571)

With temperatures tipping the 30C mark, people made the most of the good weather.

Sheila and George Waters travelled from Catherington to soak up the sun at Southsea seafront.

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Sheila said: ‘It’s absolutely brilliant weather that we’re having.

The Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth Picture: Sarah Standing (161038-7176)The Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth Picture: Sarah Standing (161038-7176)
The Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth Picture: Sarah Standing (161038-7176)

‘It’s about time really, given how miserable the summer has been so far.

‘We came down to Southsea because it was absolutely boiling sat in our back garden because there was no breeze.

‘We often come here but should do more often.

‘George is ex-navy so he enjoys watching all of the ships coming in and out of the dock.

The Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth Picture: Sarah Standing (161038-7176)The Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth Picture: Sarah Standing (161038-7176)
The Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth Picture: Sarah Standing (161038-7176)
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‘We really enjoy looking at all of the historical sites and have brought our grandchildren down on numerous occasions.’

George added: ‘There may not be as many ships as there used to be a few years ago but it’s still nice to come down and have a look.’

Alan and Brenda Kitching have just returned from a cruise across the Baltic Sea but have chosen to stay down for a few extra days.

Alan said: ‘We docked at Southampton on Sunday and were supposed to go home to Gateshead but we’ve decided to take advantage of the good weather.

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‘We went to a lot of cities – Stockholm, St Petersburg, Copenhagen – but none of them were as hot as it is today.

‘Our daughter lives in Portsmouth so we get down here fairly often and like visit when the weather is at it’s best, and come down to the beach.’

Lifeguard Jack Allman, 17, said: ‘Swimming conditions aren’t too bad at all.

‘The current is slightly stronger due to a higher tide but overall it’s not too shabby.

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‘Quite a few people have been getting in and out of the water to cool down – it is breezier but the sun is a lot hotter than it was on Monday.’

The forecast is for the warm weather to continue over the coming days, including the weekend, with temperatures in the mid-20s.

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