Bexhill temperature hits the 90s

It is believed to be the highest official figure recorded at Bexhill in modern times, although early on Monday evening 33C (91F) was measured in Old Town.

Crowds not only flocked to the beach but also to the shade, as the mainly breezeless weekend made the heat almost unbearable for some.

A number of summer fairs noticed a downturn in attendance due to the heat and the terrace entertainment at the De La Warr Pavilion proved too hot for some.

Pubs and seafront cafes did a roaring trade.

Rother contractors John O'Conner reported a high of 29.9 deg C (86F) on Sunday. The corresponding day last year hit a high of 19.2C (66.8F).

Thousands of sunseekers were out on Sunday and there was not a car parking place to be had between Galley Hill and Herbrand Walk.

John Lovell, weather recorder for John O'Connor, said last Thursday's maximum temperature was 24.6C and did not dip below 17.8.

Friday made 23.5 with a low of 16.4.

Saturday streaked up to 26 degrees with a minimum temperature of 18.6 and Sunday climbed to 29.9, with a low of 22.

Shops and supermarkets experienced record demand for barbecue fuel.

Use of water has increased on average by a huge 40 per cent and South East Water has had to cope with unprecedented high levels of demand.

Monday topped that by with a reading of 30.4 and a low of 14.2, giving it both the highest maximum temperature and the lowest minimum. A Bexhill-wide search for fans proved fruitless and some businesses even put up signs saying Sorry, no fans. But Monday was also the day the weather turned, briefly and unexpectedly, also giving it the lowest minimum of recent days at 14.2C.

Sailors at Bexhill Sailing Club's Sea Week were caught unaware as boats capsized in sudden strong winds. Tuesday was another beach-worthy day, with the mercury reaching 25.9 C.

The weather is predicted to cool towards the end of the week but the sunshine is expected to continue. South East Water says it is not planning any supply restrictions but asks gardeners to be cautious.

The company warns that some customers may suffer from localised low pressure particularly during the evening when exceptionally high levels of demand in the home and garden make it difficult to move water through the pipes rapidly enough .

The RSPCA is advising owners how to keep their animals safe in the heat. Dog owners should walk their dogs early in the morning or in the evening when the temperatures have lowered.

They have also advised not to take pets on any vehicle journeys and not leave any animals unattended in a car. People with rabbits and goldfish should leave these pets in the shade and sunscreen should be applied to the tips of white cats' ears.