HAMPSHIRE was basking in scorching temperatures again today.
Weather forecasters predicted that the mercury would climb to 27C (81F), the hottest day of the year so far.
People grabbed their buckets and spades and flocked to the beach yesterday to make the most of “wall-to-wall” sunshine.
Travel experts said there was congestion on roads leading to most coastal areas.
Traffic Masters head of travel Ross Gould said the A31 westbound through the New Forest towards Bournemouth and Poole had the most notable problems.
He said: “The beachside resorts are hotspots for the holiday traffic. In the UK if there is any hint of sunshine people head straight to the coast.”
Matt Dobson, forecaster at MeteoGroup, said yesterday's highest temperatures fell short of the 26.5C (80F) reached on Friday, which was the hottest day of the year so far.
He added that the south enjoyed temperatures of up 21C (70F) by the sea.
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