AN Indian summer heatwave is set to arrive this weekend, just as a new law comes in which limits social gatherings to six people.

Temperatures will rise across Sussex from Sunday into next week.

Plenty of sunshine and unusually dry autumn weather is forecast across the county as a ten-day heatwave hits the UK.

READ MORE: Gatherings of more than six people to be made illegal in England

The mercury is predicted to hit 24C in Brighton on Monday, while temperatures will soar higher further inland.

The Argus: Sun-lovers basking on Brighton beach earlier this summerSun-lovers basking on Brighton beach earlier this summer

According to the Met Office, Gatwick Airport will experience highs of 27C on Monday and Tuesday, coming down to a slightly cooler 25C on Wednesday.

Residents in Crawley will also enjoy a scorching 26C.

The Met Office forecast for Monday states: “The start of the period is likely to bring a change to the weather seen in recent weeks, with conditions expected to become more settled in the upcoming days.

“This settled weather looks set to bring temperatures to above normal for most, with the South possibly seeing warm or very warm temperatures.”

The Argus:

The heatwave is due to arrive just as the “rule of six” is introduced.

Under a new law announced yesterday by the government, social gatherings of more than six people indoors or outdoors in England will be banned from Monday.

Anyone who fails to comply could face a £100 fine, which will double on each offence up to £3,200.