IMAGES show the stark difference of how busy Bournemouth beach was this weekend, compared to last week.

Over the weekend of July 24, thousands flocked to the coast to make the most of what was the hottest day of the year.

Hundreds of parking tickets were given to illegally parked cars, and roads in Sandbanks and Lulworth were closed to help ease traffic.

Bournemouth Echo: People enjoy the weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset. England could see the hottest day of the year this weekend as the skies finally clear after weeks of wet and humid weather. Picture date: Saturday July 17, 2021.

However, as temperatures dropped, the beaches and beauty spots remained quiet, with considerably less visitors.

Lightning strikes lit up the nigh sky in the early hours of Saturday following days of extreme heat.

And, according to the Met Office, the stormy weather could return on Tuesday, with a chance of thunder by late morning.

Bournemouth Echo: Pictures show a quiet beach on July 24 compared to July 17Pictures show a quiet beach on July 24 compared to July 17

The weather will be “unsettled” throughout the week, with scattered thundery showers with persistent rain towards the end of the week.