Sussex looks set to sizzle into the weekend as weather forecasters predict the heatwave is set to continue.

Temperatures throughout the rest of the week on the seafront are expected to remain above 20C (68F), with the mercury rocketing towards 29C (84F) and even past 30C (86) in inland Sussex.

The Met Office says the sun should continue to shine over Brighton and Hove until Sunday, although temperatures are likely to be lower from Friday and throughout the weekend, bringing some relief from the heat.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "The temperatures will remain hot for the rest of the week but it will start to turn on Friday, although the weekend will still be fantastic with lots of sunshine but a bit cooler.

"There will also be a risk of thunder and even a shower."

Last weekend's weather inland in Sussex was tipping into 29C, just a few degrees behind Barbados, which was enjoying 32C (90F).

This June's temperatures are certainly not record-breaking but bring a welcome change from June 2004 and the rest of last year's summer, which proved a wash-out with well above average rainfall and fewer sunshine hours.

Last year's soggy summer put the dampener on seafront trade across the Sussex coast, and particularly Brighton and Hove, but already the city's businesses are holding their breath and hoping for a scorching summer to boost trade.

Glenn Harman, who runs a gift shop and the Waves caf on Brighton seafront, said trade from the start of the year until May had been dire and a good summer was vital for seafront businesses.

He said: "The last few days have been great but the back end of May was terrible. Last year was bad and we now need a blistering season."

Tony Mernagh, executive director of the Brighton and Hove City Centre Business Forum, said the good weather brought mixed blessings.

He said: "It's fantastic for the seafront trade but it's not good for the rest of the town."

Mr Mernagh said people avoided the shopping centres during the heatwave.

Council figureheads are also delighted by the warm weather which is bringing people to the city.

Green convener Keith Taylor said: "Brighton always welcomes visitors and the sunshine obviously displays the city at its best."