Beer patios, parks and back gardens across the county have been packed out this week, as temperatures hit their highest levels of the year.

Meteorologist Mike Lewis, who is based at Pitsford Weather Station, said temperatures had been reaching up to three degrees higher than average this week, soaring to 24.5C (76F) and said more was in store for the coming days.

However, for the weekend he warned people to keep umbrellas at the ready in case of the odd shower, but said sunblock was the most important accessory.

"With the warm weather, there would be some cloud build-up and one or two areas could have showers but most places should be dry," he said.

"But after this it should be fairly steady until the middle of next week."

Byron Peters, the assistant manager of the Charles Bradlaugh pub in The Mounts, said business had picked up considerably since the sun came out over the Bank Holiday weekend.

He said: "We have been a lot busier in the past few days.

"Some people get a bit excited by the fact it's good weather and get a bit tipsy, but generally it's a really good atmosphere."

He added: "The weather has a huge impact on sales. Hopefully, the sun will stay and people can keep drinking ... sensibly."

According to Mr Lewis, long-range forecasts indicate the summer is unlikely to be a wash-out like last year.

He said: "The prognosis from the Met Office is for a slow-down to normal weather.

"Rainfall may be a touch above average, but the forecast doesn't seem to be for the amount of rain we had last summer, which resulted in that awful flooding."