Portsmouth enjoys another sweltering day

Portsmouth is enjoying another sweltering day as much of Britain basks in a heatwave.

Weathermen say today will be dry, hot and rather humid with prolonged spells of strong sunshine following glorious weather yesterday.

Temperatures around Portsmouth are expected to peak at 27C although the highest temperatures will away from coasts, where rather cooler and breezier conditions are expected to develop.

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It is expoected that in some inland areas in thre south east, the mercury could nudge 34C.

The Met office says tonight it will very warm with brisk winds near coasts, and these will become strong. Minimum temperature 22C.

And the heatwave will continue tomorrow, with hot and humid conditions, sunny spells and a chance of an isolated thunderstorm during the afternoon. Maximum temperature 31 °C.

Yesterday, sunseekers flocked to Southsea beach to enjoy the first true taste of summer so far.

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People sunbathed, ate ice-cream, fished and some even braved the water for a swim.

Temperatures soared to about 26C on what was recorded as the hottest day of the year thus far, although it is expected to be even warmer today.

Brian and Glenis Granger travelled from Camberley to soak up the sun.

Brian, 80, said: ‘We enjoy coming down here when the weather is nice.

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‘I used to be a chief petty officer in the Merchant Navy, so I always like coming down and looking at the ships.

‘We’ve been to Brighton beach and many others, but this is most definitely our favourite.

‘The heat isn’t too bad today but it’s supposed to be even hotter tomorrow so I think we’ll take shade instead of coming out.’

Steve Pitney, 34, is an avid fisherman and took advantage of calm conditions.

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He said: ‘I come fishing in all weathers but it is nicer when the sun is shining.

‘I’ll be pleased if I catch one today.

‘Generally, the people are very polite when they’re swimming near my lines.

‘They usually try to avoid them, although it can scare fish off sometimes.’

Local businesses enjoyed soaring numbers of customers.

Vanilla Ice Cream parlour shut at 2.30pm just over a week ago after taking just £4.30 all day but yesterday, it was all hands on deck.

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Worker Sally Neill, from Buckland, said: ‘Business has definitely picked up. It was extremely busy on Sunday and again today.

‘It’s expected to get even busier when the schools finish this week and we’re going to have at least five or six working at all times.’

The sizzling conditions are coming across from France and Spain.