DORSET was warmer than Istanbul yesterday – and there’s more sunshine to come.

The mercury reached 15 degrees on Thursday as families took to the beach to celebrate the warm weather, which compared to just nine degrees in Turkey.

But that’s not all, as the weekend is predicted to be the hottest so far this year, with blazing sunshine and 17 degree heat forecast on Sunday.

Make the most of it though, as it could get cooler next week.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “It may turn colder, clearer and more showery for a time by the end of the week.

“Milder conditions should return to the south west thereafter.”

It’s a far cry from the weather residents experienced this time last year, when temperatures plunged to minus two degrees overnight.