The county is preparing for an 'unseasonably warm' October weekend, as tourists are expected to travel to west Dorset and enjoy its beaches. 

The Met Office forecast for the south west of England this weekend starts with mist and fog clearing through the morning on Saturday, leaving a dry day with plenty of prolonged sunshine.

There will be a light southerly breeze and it will feel warm for the time of year.

For the most part, west Dorset will be sunny all weekend but days may start with fog and mist. Highs of 21C.

The outlook for next week will see plenty of sunshine in most places with the weather continuing to stay dry.

Met Office Presenter and Meteorologist Alex Burkill said: “The jet steam is going to push its way northwards ahead of the weekend, which will allow for some very warm air to come in from the south.”

Describing the weather in the south this weekend, Mr Burkill said: “For many further south it will be a fine, dry day on Saturday with temperatures getting to highs of around 25C, which is unusually warm for the time of year.

“By Sunday, it’ll be a more widely dry and sunny day for many. Highs or around 26C or even 27C in isolated spots is possible.”

If you are planning on going to the beach this weekend, here is what the Met Office is forecasting for Bridport, Lyme Regis and West Bay: 

Bridport:

Saturday: Cloudy changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime. Highs of 18C.

Sunday: Partly cloudy changing to sunny by late morning. Highs of 20C.

Monday: Mist changing to cloudy by late morning.Highs of 20C.

Lyme Regis:

Saturday: Partly cloudy changing to sunny by lunchtime. Highs of 18C. 

Sunday: Partly cloudy changing to sunny by late morning. Highs of 19C.

Monday: Fog changing to cloudy by lunchtime. Highs of 19C.

West Bay:

Saturday: Cloudy changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime. Highs of 18C.

Sunday: Partly cloudy changing to sunny by late morning. Highs of 20C.

Monday: Mist changing to cloudy by late morning. Highs of 20C.

RNLI National Water Safety Partner, Samantha Hughes, said: “With warm weather forecasted, we are likely to see people visiting the coast and inland waterways. As it is outside of the summer season, not everyone will be able to access a lifeguarded beach so we’d like to remind people what to do if they find themselves struggling in the water.

“Remember to float to live. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged, try to relax and breathe normally, move your hands to help you stay afloat. When it is safe, then swim to safety or call for help. If you see someone else in danger at the coast, please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”

For more information and live weather updates visit www.metoffice.gov.uk