IT'S about time, isn't it?

A summer worthy of the name is arriving in Hampshire with warm weather this weekend and a scorcher coming early in the week.

Anyone looking to enjoy the sunshine is advised to slap on the sun cream and avoid dehydration.

Parts of the county will be even hotter than Barcelona on Tuesday, reaching peaks of 30 degrees around Winchester.

The Spanish city will only reach 29 degrees before climbing to 31 on subsequent days.

The Met Office forecasts three days of sunshine to start the week in Hampshire, with heights of 27 on Monday, 30 on Tuesday and 26 on Wednesday before dropping a little.

Southampton will be marginally colder than the north of the county, according to the Met Office, although other forecasters predict a 30 degree peak on Tuesday.

South Central Ambulance Service issues the following advice for hot weather:

- Avoid long periods in the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm

- Wear a hat

- Drinking a minimum of two litres of water a day

- Use sun tan lotion with a protection factor of more than 15.

- Never leave children or pets in the car

- Avoid jumping into shallow water from bridges or piers

- Drink responsibly - and remember to keep the water up as alcohol will dehydrate you.