GET your shades out and put on those shorts, as Hampshire is set to bask in taste of summer.

Weather experts say that the county will bask in above average temperatures and by the end of the week the mercury could even hit the eighties.

The Met Office has said that there is set to be a mini-heatwave on the way - but typically it may not last into the Bank Holiday weekend.

The forecast is good news for the south's tourist trade, which will be looking to cash in on the sunshine.

Hugo Ambrose, of Lymington Sea Water Baths, said: “Sunshine gets everyone out and about. We are looking forward to it.

"It only takes a few days of sunshine to get the water to about 20C (68 Fahrenheit). I say bring it on!”

Ice cream sellers are also looking forward to the change in the weather.

Joao Cunha, restaurant supervisor at Sprinkles Gelato in Portswood, said: “Yes, I hope that there is a heatwave. Maybe it will bring lots of people to come and eat ice cream.”

The good weather is in stark contrast to last week when parts of county got two-thirds of May’s usual rainfall in a couple of days.

The normal temperature for Hampshire at this time of year is about 18C (64 Fahrenheit) but last Thursday saw Eastleigh at 14C (57 Fahrenheit) and on Wednesday Southampton was as cool as 16C (61 Fahrenheit).

However from today onwards it will warm up and Southampton is forecast to be sunny and up to 21C (69.8 Fahrenheit)

This week is likely to be much drier as high pressure builds up from the south, which will give us drier, calmer conditions and sunny spells.

Tuesday it is likely to be around 20C and from mid-week temperatures will rise further as warm southerly winds are coming from Spain and Southern France.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “By Wednesday it could be as warm as 23C (73.4 F) and by Thursday 24C (73.4 F) seems likely.

“As we head to Friday, we could be into the high 20’s in temperature with 27C (80.6 F) being a possibility. The beginning of the Bank Holiday weekend is set to stay dry and be in the high 20’s.”

However next week the forecast is uncertain with forecasters saying that the good spell may break with next Monday likely to stay warm, but be wetter.