Dorset is gearing up for a late summer heatwave.

Temperatures are expected to start climbing today and hit 72 degrees along the coast and a few degrees higher inland by Saturday.

Despite a promising start to the season with a long, dry spring, the summer weather has been extremely disappointing in Weymouth and Portland.

Business leaders say that a combination of poor weather, the economy and the roadworks has kept visitors away.

People are expected to dust off the barbecues and beach traders are hoping for a last boost before the winter.

Although a few have shut down for the year, many beach kiosks will be open for activities and refreshments on the Weymouth seafront.

Daren Deadman, pictured right, one of the remaining traders, was positive about the effects of the heatwave.

He said, “People are flexible these days and book weekends away according to the weather.”

He added: “Although we’ve had a fantastic year thanks to the fresh ground coffee we’ve started offering, this weather will extend the season.”

Hotels and guesthouses are also hoping for a bumper weekend.

Patricia Lister of No 10 Guest House in Weymouth, expects people to make last-minute visits. She said, “I hope people will make spontaneous visits to the coast.”

Mrs Lister, a keen sailor, said she hoped she would be able to take advantage of the good weather herself and get out by the water. She said, “Beach or boat, whichever comes first”

Lynda Potter of Cornubia Guest House, also in Weymouth, is looking forward to the weather. She said, “I hope and expect the weather to have a really positive impact.”

High pressure coming from Europe is causing already mild temperatures to rise dramatically above average this week with the high temperatures expected to last until at least Sunday.

The average maximum temperature for Dorset over the past 30 years has been 14.1 degrees centigrade.

Chris Tubbs, the chief forecaster for the Met Office said: “The settled weather is set to last for several days and could carry on into the start of October, giving us a welcome respite from the windy and wet conditions which have dominated for the past few weeks.”

Bob Poots, a local weather expert, was not surprised by the forecast and said that the UK often enjoys Indian summers.