A MIXTURE of sunshine and overcast weather is expected this weekend for Dorset, according to the Met Office.

Residents and tourists will be hoping for some warm spells as they make the most of the end of summer before autumn arrives. 

A broad look at the weekend's forecast shows the best weather will be on Saturday. 

According to the Met Office, many areas will continue to have sunshine and warm weather until rain hits the county at around 8pm tonight (Friday, September 17).

The maximum temperature around Dorset is 19 degrees, with seaside towns of Weymouth, Swanage and Bournemouth experiencing warm spells. 

If you are planning a beach day this weekend, Saturday (September 18) is the day to go. 

The day will start overcast with some sunshine but it is expected to turn brighter through the day.

Most areas of Dorset will experience highs of 20 degrees but Sherborne and Gillingham are set to see temperatures hit 22 degrees. 

A weather forecast from the Met Office reads: "Overnight fog soon lifts, giving a cloudy day across the region.

Dorset Echo: A warm day at Durdle DoorA warm day at Durdle Door

"Patchy rain lingers in the west while some showers begin to develop in the east, heavy at times. Maximum temperature 20°C."

The Met Office has forecast it will be 'wet and cloudy' on Sunday (September 19), with some organised heavy showers.'

Some sunshine is expected in some areas of Dorset towards the afternoon and into the evening, with maximum temperatures of 18 degrees.

Looking into next week, the Met Office forecasts further showers into Monday, but these will be lighter and less frequent with some sunny spells in between.