Thousands flocked to the shoreline yesterday as the city sizzled in blistering sunshine on the hottest day of the year so far.

The mercury reached a high of 28C in Brighton, making it hotter than in Hawaii, with sunseekers making the most of the scorching temperatures.

It is so hot, in fact, that an amber heat-health warning for the South East has been put in place by the Government until 9am on Tuesday, June 13.

The Argus: The scene on the beach in BrightonThe scene on the beach in Brighton (Image: The Argus)

But that has not deterred those keen to get a tan or take a dip in the sea as we begin the countdown to summer.

Friends Joanna, Elesa, Diane, Kara, Maria and Zara travelled down from Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire. They soaked up the sun sitting on deckchairs while enjoying a tipple under the cloudless sky.

Joanna said: "We love it down here. We come to Brighton quite often and the weather is always great.

The Argus: Friends Joanna, Elesa, Diane, Kara, Maria and ZaraFriends Joanna, Elesa, Diane, Kara, Maria and Zara (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

“The beach is such a lovely place to be."

Further along the pebbles were Francesca and Tony Spooner, who were in the city for the weekend celebrating their wedding anniversary with a getaway from their home in Carshalton, Surrey.

"It's our 32nd anniversary so we thought we could come down to Brighton and spend two nights at The Grand,” said Francesca.

The Argus: Francesca and Tony SpoonerFrancesca and Tony Spooner (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

“It's beautiful down here and it is just perfect. We're hoping to have a very relaxing weekend."

Meanwhile, Amber Molly and Kayleigh Rosen, both 21, from Brighton, enjoyed the hot weather with a game of bat and ball.

“We’re loving the hot weather and always come down here when it’s like this,” said Amber.

The Argus: Amber Molly and Kayleigh RosenAmber Molly and Kayleigh Rosen (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

Several people could even be seen braving the chilly waves yesterday as the crystal-clear water invitingly lapped at the shore.

But for most it was ice creams under a parasol and plenty of chilled drinks to cool off.

However, in northern parts of Sussex, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms today between 2pm and 9pm and again from midday until 9pm on Sunday, June 11.

Officials say that while many places will stay largely dry, thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail are likely to develop in some places during these periods.