SUNSEEKERS have been making the most of the heatwave as the mercury continues to soar.

Temperatures could reach a sweltering 30C by the end of the week with a small risk of thunderstorms on Sunday and Monday.

Yesterday many people were soaking up the sun on Bournemouth beach with the Met Office recording 27.2C at Hurn at 2pm.

Holidaymaker Roy Pocock from Harrogate: "We're here for a week's holiday with the family and to chase the sun. If it stays like this, I'm booking another week."

Jean Churcher, who is on holiday with friend, said: "We're having a beautiful day, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Diletta Curatolo, who works at an ice cream kiosk on the prom, said: “It's been a hot, busy, crazy day and we haven't stopped serving customers and we won't until 9pm.”

Many visitors have been planning ahead with Bournemouth hotels filling up ahead of this weekend.

Andrew Woodland, chairman of Bournemouth and Poole management board, said: “June has always been a good month but generally we’re 10 to 15 per cent above what we’d expect.”

And those who like it hot will be pleased to hear that there’s more sunny weather on the cards in July.

Twitter-based weather forecaster Dorset Sun, who lives in Bournemouth, said: “Next week high pressure is likely to hang on to the south of the country meaning we will see lots of sunshine between now and into the first week of July. Temperatures are however likely to dip next week, initially highs of 26/27c, but more like 21c by the end of the week.

“As mentioned, July starts off on a warm and sunny note, the middle of the month may see a brief unsettled period, but we are expecting it to be a good month in general with heatwaves possible throughout.”

As reported in the Daily Echo yesterday, Moors Valley Country Park will introduce a ban on disposable barbecues from July due to the hot and dry conditions which could result in an increase in fires.

While Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned people of the dangers of wildfires and reminded them to take care around heathland and open spaces as many head outdoors to make the most of the sunny weather.

According to the Met Office, the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK in June was 35.6C in Camden Square on June 29, 1957, and in Southampton on June 28, 1976.

The high temperatures over the past few days have seen the Met Office issue a Level 2 heat warning for northern and western parts of England.