It's getting hot, hot hot in Dorset this week - especially at the weekend

Temperatures are expected to soar over 20 degrees this week, with the best days set to be Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Traders are looking forward to a boost in business as more visitors flock to the coast.

Cllr Richard Kosior, who is set to be the new spokesman for tourism on Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, says the sunny weather will attract more visitors. 

He said: “I think it is a no-brainer, given we’ve got the sun, the temperatures and the award winning beaches.”

He added: “I think the town will benefit immensely from it.”

Cllr Jason Osborne, former spokesman for tourism on the council, is also confident the good weather will bring people to the town.

He said: “I think this weekend will be absolutely fantastic and it should be. This is it, summer is on its way. The bad weather is behind us and the good weather is in front of us.”

He added: “Get out your t-shirts, sunglasses and high factor sun cream and have some family fun.”

Leslie Young, owner of King Edwards fish and chips shop on the Esplanade, said there had been the usual slowdown after Easter, but he thought trade would pick up this week, and has ordered more stock in anticipation.

He said: “I am hoping that with the sunshine we will finally get going.”

He added that he has spoken to hoteliers, who told him that bookings are going well at the moment.

Mr Young also thought that the start of the half term this weekend would help.

He said: “If the children are on holiday it makes a big difference.”

The sunny weather should also be good news for the various attractions and events during the bank holiday weekend and half-term break.

One such event will be the Fayre in the Square event, run by Weymouth Rotary Club, which is celebrating local music and talent this Saturday and Sunday in Hope Square.

It will feature performances from the Leggomen, Total Madness, Average Wye Band, Dorset Wrecks, and Dorset for Singing, among many others.