HERE comes the sun – Weymouth is set for a mini heatwave this week, bringing a welcome boost for traders.

After a warm weekend, temperatures are set to soar, reaching an expected 30 degrees Celsius this week.

But experts are warning sun worshippers to stay safe, as UV levels rise to eight – regarded as ‘very high’ for the UK. The Met Office advises anyone who is out and about to spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm. A shirt, sunscreen and hat are essential.

Kim Gay, manager at Rossi’s on the Esplanade, said business was booming over the weekend, with beach-goers queuing up for ice cream.

“It has picked up over the last two weeks, and we’re expecting another boost when the kids break up on Friday, but this weekend has just been brilliant.

“It does make such a difference when you get nice, sunny weather. We’re just hoping it stays like this. It would be nice to have a sunny day for Carnival this year.”

Temperatures are then expected to cool slightly later in the week and into the weekend, though it is likely to still be warm at around 18 degrees on Friday.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “Cloud and mist will soon break up and most of Monday will be dry, humid and very warm. There will be widespread sunshine in the afternoon. The maximum temperature is 26 degrees Celsius.”

Looking ahead to later in the week, the spokesman added: “Temperatures will rise further on Tuesday, possibly reaching 30 Celsius in places. Warm and humid on Wednesday with a chance of early thunderstorms, but becoming fresher by Thursday with showers.”

Dorchester is also set to be sunny, with temperatures reaching an expected 24 degrees today and 27 degrees tomorrow, although there could be showers on Friday.

It’s expected to be slightly cooler on Portland, with mist this morning and temperatures up to 22 degrees and 23 degrees tomorrow.

The UV warning is still in place across all of Dorset, with the ‘high’ level of eight at around 1pm. This will be a lower level of seven in the late morning and in the afternoon, but anyone who is out in the sunshine is still urged to take precautions and use sunscreen.