SUSSEX has been bathed in sunshine as temperatures hit their warmest of the year so far.

Temperatures in Brighton and Hove hit 16C, slightly above average for the time of year, although a slight breeze made conditions feel a little colder.

The warmer weather across the coast coincided with this year’s spring equinox, taking place today (March 20).

Conditions are expected to remain warm going into the new week, with temperatures between 14 and 16C and with sunshine forecast for most of the week, with some cloud expected on Monday.

A spokesman for the Met Office said that Monday’s weather for the region looked “generally dry, with just the very low risk of a light shower and feeling warm.”

Looking towards the rest of the week, he said the forecast looks “mainly dry with sunny spells and light winds.

“Patchy mist and fog are possible in the mornings, particularly Thursday.

“It will be increasingly warm by day, but remaining chilly overnight with some frost possible.”