Residents in Brighton and Hove were finally able to take a break from sheltering from storms and bask in the sun this weekend.

With temperatures reaching as high as 15 degrees on Sunday beachgoers found themselves enjoying temperatures as warm as Barcelona and Munich.

The sunshine was welcomed by residents and visitors, finally able to come out of hiding after months of heavy rain and storms that have battered the seafront so far this year.

Traffic was heavy on most roads into the city, with reports of queues backing up to Pyecombe on the A23 on Sunday lunchtime.

Dozens of people descended on Brighton Beach on Saturday and Sunday, desperate to enjoy the interval from the rain and wind that has plagued the city.

Brighton and Hove’s businesses, particularly in Kings Road Arches, welcomed the respite and the extra customers it brought.

Martin O'Neill, owner of Brighton Beach Store, said: “There was definitely more people around, especially on Saturday. It’s definitely most welcome.”

Sarah Harris, an artist who works from The Open Studios, said: “It’s picked up out there. We’ve been wrapped up like the Michelin Man for the last couple of months in here so it’s a nice break. We can feel our hands and feet again.”

Robert Maragh, owner of Castor and Poullox art shop, added: “There’s a lot more people around, which is good.

“Everyone’s smiling and it’s nice to see so many people out after all the bad weather. It really makes a difference.”

Among the businesses that rely on the good weather to get people out of their homes are the city’s cafes and restaurants.

Adam Brian, at restaurant Riddle and Finns on the Beach, said the weekend’s weather had been better than expected.

He said: “It’s very positive. We do get busier when the weather’s good and that’s always the case when the sun shines.”

And it appears that the sunny spell is due to continue this week with temperatures expected to reach as high as 17 degrees today matching European hotspots including Madrid, Majorca, Malta and Venice.