TEMPERATURES could soar into the low 30s in Dorset today on what is set to be one of the hottest days of the year.

Parts of north Dorset are expected to see 30C today, according to the Met Office, including Sturminster Newton, Blandford Forum and Gillingham.

Dorchester has had a forecast of up to 26C, while Weymouth could see 23C.

Dorset Sun said Thursday evening was expected to be one of the warmest nights of the year with temperatures struggling to fall below 20C in places.

The weekend is expected to be warm but not as hot with highs of around 22C predicted on Saturday with cloudier conditions and highs of 20C on Sunday.

The Met Office said on Twitter yesterday that July 2020 has been “colder than average across the whole of the UK, however that is not how it will end. The final day of the month is shaping up to be the hottest day of the year so far. But it could also go out with a bang.”

Thunderstorms could be seen in some parts of the country.

Bournemouth-based weather enthusiast Bournemouth and Poole Weather said the mercury could reach 32C or even 33C inland in Dorset today.

Bournemouth and Poole Weather said: “Max temps 27-30c (inland Dorset possibly 32-33c) outside chance of a shower from lunchtime onwards.”

He recorded 14C at 6.20am and said that at 7.50am the temperature was already 23C.