BRIGHTON was predicted to be hotter than the Canary Islands today with temperatures soaring to 28C.

The mercury reached a high of 25C yesterday, according to the Met Office, with the hottest conditions at 7pm.

And sun worshippers are in for an even greater treat today.

Thermometers will not drop below 26C between noon and 2pm and are expected to go even higher.

The heatwave has encouraged large numbers of people to travel to Brighton and Hove to enjoy the beach during lockdown.

But this has sparked concerns among residents and the city council over the ability to social distance, with fears that cramped conditions could lead to the spread of coronavirus.

But Shelter Hall, the dazzling new food, drink and entertainment hub on Brighton seafront, is ready for an influx of people.

Olivia Reid, speaking on behalf of Shelter Hall, said: “We are very excited for a sunny weekend.

“We are fully prepared and ready to engage with a controlled number of people.

“We have security on the door and acknowledge that it’s going to be very sunny and is a weekend of Pride history.

“We are offering bottomless prosecco brunch in two hour slots.

“We have maximised seating outside and have footing on site to manage the numbers.”

Ms Reid said there would be a range of drinks on offer to keep sunseekers cool, both alcoholic and non alcoholic.

There will be a volunteer beach clean outside Shelter Hall on Monday morning at 9am, should people want to take part in clearing up the debris of the weekend.

The Met Office expects today to be the hottest day of the year so far with

temperatures even nudging into 35C (95F) in Greater London.

Disappointed holiday-goers, unable to travel because of coronavirus, may take comfort from the weekend forecast, as the Met Office predicts that parts of the UK will be hotter than mainland Europe.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has spoken of fears of a second wave of the disease in the UK.

He said: “I think you can see a second wave starting to roll across Europe and we have got to do everything we can to prevent it from reaching these shores, and tackle it.”

He said the Government was trying to avoid cases being brought back to the UK from places where there has been a big spike in cases, listing Spain as an example.

British tourists returning from Spain are currently required to self-isolate for 14 days.