HEATWAVE Hampshire had a taste of summer yesterday as temperatures soared to levels normally seen at the height of August.

The mercury climbed to a sweltering 25C (77F) - making it the hottest day of the year so far. - and today it is expected to hit 75F.

Forecasters said the daytime temperature in the Southampton area was twice the average for this time of year.

Thousands of boat owners spent the day on the water, resulting in a busy day for sailing centres such as Lymington and Hamble.

However, the scorching temperatures were less welcome among competitors taking part in the Totton 10k run and other sporting events in the county.

Saturday was also hot at 23C (73F) - but by 9.30am yesterday the temperature was higher than it had been at the same time the previous day.

Weathermen warned people to make the most of the sunshine while it lasted.

A Met Office spokesman said temperatures would dip over the next few days, with cloud and rain dominating the weather scene by the end of the week.

Yesterday's temperature was well below the highest ever recorded in April - 29C (84F) in London in 1949.