The sun has got its hat on and that's reason enough to get excited after what's been months of chilly weather.

Here's a list of 12 things that we guarantee will happen in Dorset when the sun comes out - good and bad. Can you think of any others?

1. Bournemouth goes national – pictures and video footage of our glorious beaches packed with sun worshippers will appear in the national papers and on TV

Bournemouth Echo: Weekend in pictures: Bournemouth's cheerleaders, a packed beach and some truly terrible parking

2. Men will walk around with their shirts off to reveal some seriously sore looking t-shirt sunburn 

Bournemouth Echo: Sunburn is seen as a badge of courage

3. Brass bands perform in the bandstand at the Lower Gardens

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4. The press will tell you it’s been hotter than Jamaica, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Miami, Los Angeles etc etc (sorry about this, folks!)

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5. The stag and hen dos turn out in force

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6. The giant deckchair makes an appearance

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7. People actually exchange pleasantries – well at least a nod of acknowledgement. Who says southerners aren’t friendly?

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8. Dorset turns into one giant traffic jam. Remember last July when daytrippers were stuck in their cars for hours on the A338 Spur Road

Bournemouth Echo: Traffic queuing to get out of Bournemouth

9. People leave their litter behind. Dirty nappies, bottles and cans were some of the items strewn all over the beaches and in the town centre when 70,000 headed to Bournemouth last year.

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10. It becomes a nightmare to find somewhere to park with cars left on verges, pavements and even double yellow lines.

11. You have to queue for ice cream/fish and chips/cold drinks/showers on the beach

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12. The hairy caterpillars make an unwelcome return 

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Have a suggestion that you think should be added to our list? Tweet @Bournemouthecho, email digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk or place a comment below.