84F! SUMMER IS BACK ...CATCH IT IF YOU CAN

SUN worshippers flocked to the seaside yesterday to mark the return of warmer weather. Forecasters are predicting temperatures of up to 84F (28C) later this week.

It follows weeks of gloomy weather and the smart money is on the warmer weather to stick around, with bookmakers offering odds of 1-2 for it to be the hottest July on record. Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead said: “The rain of early July looks set to become a distant memory and we make this month firmly odds-on to break the record.” Forecasters are predicting average temperatures of around 77F (25C) for most of the week after “wall-to-wall sun” yesterday.

Social distancing beachgoers gathered on Bournemouth beach to enjoy temperatures of 69.8F (21C).

Others basked in the sunshine on Brighton beach and Whitmo re Bay beach, at Barry Island, where temperatures were slightly cooler at 68F (20C).

A thrill seeker was also pictured balanced on the limestone arch at Durdle Door, in Dorset, taking a selfie.

Pictures: RICHARD CREASE/ALAMY & GRAHAM HUNT/BNPS Sunbathers give each other space on the beach yesterday at Bournemouth Don’t look down... the selfie- taker, right, perched high up at Durdle