HOT weather is set to continue over the next few days with temperatures hitting the mid 20s.

Residents have flocked to beaches in Sussex today to bask in the heat - and unbroken sunshine is forecast to carry on this week.

The Met Office forecast highs of 26 degrees in Brighton today, with tomorrow set to be dry and fine again.

The onshore breeze will ease off briefly on Tuesday and temperatures will remain in the mid twenties.

Wednesday is set to be slightly cooler, with the chance of thundery showers in the afternoon.

However the long range forecast is for the start of June to be more changeable following the extended period of sunny days in May.

The start of the month is expected to be cool and breezy with sunshine and showers, with more settled conditions predicted by the middle of June. 

The forecast states: "Following the prolonged dry, warm weather in May into the start of June, it will have become be a good deal cooler and more changeable by the start of this period. 

"The period to the end of June should be generally drier than average.

"However, some more changeable spells are likely which, as is usual for the time of year, could bring showers and thunderstorms.

"It is also likely to be warmer than average, more particularly in the south."