TEMPERATURES are set to soar today on what is expected to be the warmest day of the year so far.

The mercury could peak between 27C and 29C in Dorset, a local forecaster has said.

Bournemouth Echo:

One of the cruise ships off Bournemouth on Tuesday. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

People are being warned to take care in the “very strong sunshine” with UV index set to reach level eight today.

According to the Met Office, UV 8 is “rare” and UV 7 “may occur on exceptional days, mostly in the two weeks towards the end of June”.

Bournemouth Echo:

People on Bournemouth beach on Tuesday. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

A UV between 8 to 10 is considered “very high” with 11 classified as “extreme”.

The Met Office says: “The aim of the index is to warn people of increased risk and encourage them change their behaviour in order to protect themselves against the risks of skin cancer and skin damage.”

Bournemouth Echo:

People on Bournemouth beach on Tuesday. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Bournemouth & Poole Weather said 26.3C was the warmest temperature recorded locally so far this year, however, this is set to be beaten today. 

He said: “Lots of very strong sunshine (uv 8), a light easterly wind & temps to 27-29c depending on when sea breezes develop, also feeling more humid.”

Fellow weather enthusiast WessexWeather said he had recorded 25.3C at 9.50am.

Bournemouth Echo:

People on Bournemouth Pier on Tuesday. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Thursday is also expected to be warm with highs of 25C and “very high” UV levels.

Things are set to turn cooler on Friday and into the weekend with highs of around 20C predicted.

Bournemouth Echo:

People playing volleyball on Bournemouth beach. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Yesterday, 24C was recorded at Bournemouth Airport.

Thousands of people flocked to the beach to make the most of the warm weather.

Bournemouth Echo:

Bournemouth beach on Tuesday. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

According to the Met Office, the highest UK maximum temperature recorded in June is currently 35.6 Celsius, set at Mayflower Park, Southampton on June 28 1976.