STUDENTS celebrating their graduation have been among those soaking up the sunshine as temperatures hit 24C along the Sussex coast.

Graduates from the University of Sussex were seen hitting Brighton beach in their gowns celebrating and enjoying the warm temperatures.

They were joined by hundreds, who grabbed their parasols and their wakeboards as the mercury rose.

The Argus: Graduates grabbed an ice cream to enjoy the warm weatherGraduates grabbed an ice cream to enjoy the warm weather

Parts of the UK were expected to be hotter than Los Angeles today, as temperatures reached 28C with dry and sunny conditions across England and Wales.

The Met Office has said it will start a consistent run of high temperatures over the next few days, with Brighton residents facing the prospect of a heatwave next week.

Highs of 27C are expected as soon as Tuesday with the city expected to bask in sunshine until at least Thursday.

The Argus: Hundreds of people gathered on the beach and put up parasols to enjoy the warm weather in BrightonHundreds of people gathered on the beach and put up parasols to enjoy the warm weather in Brighton

A level three heat-health alert has been issued for South East England, in place from Monday, July 11 until Friday, July 15.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the agency said: “Temperatures are set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of next week.

“Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.

“If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.”