ICE creams, sun hats and flip flops at the ready – “very warm” weather could be on the way for Dorset next month.

Bournemouth-based weather enthusiast Dorset Sun has given his monthly forecast for July and it could be turning very warm in the middle of the month.

The first few days of July will see dry spells of weather with the occasional shower possible.

Read more: “Lightning, hail and heavy rain”: Thunderstorm warning issued for Dorset

However, things are set to heat up during as we head further into the month.

Dorset Sun said: “During week two, we may see the Azores high extend up towards the British Isles, this is likely to bring a prolonged period of settled and warm weather.

“During this spell there is the potential for a very warm or hot plume or air to arrive from the south (around July 10 to 12).

“High pressure is expected to continue to dominate our weather during mid-month and into week three “There is a notable dry trend developing for this period.”

Read more: 5 places to get ice cream in Dorset and the New Forest

Looking ahead to later in the month, Dorset Sun added: “Uncertainty grows towards the end of the month, but temperatures are most likely to continue above average.

“There is a small risk of a few showers developing towards the end of the month and even some thundery breakdowns at times.”

Giving an overview, the forecaster said July is set to be “warmer or much warmer than average” with potential for “very warm” conditions during the second and third week of the month.

It will be mostly settled during the first half of the month but it could perhaps turn more unsettled by the end of the month.

He said that overall below average rainfall is expected with above average temperatures.

A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and is currently in force today.