SUN lovers could enjoy the hottest summer in seven years, Evening News' weather expert Paul Damari has predicted.

After the warmest weekend so far in 2001 - it was 79F/26C yesterday - most people can delight in a beautiful sunny day today and tomorrow, with temperatures hitting a blistering 82F/28C.

There is the risk of a few thunderstorms in places later tonight, but it will be dry otherwise.

Today's start of Wimbledon fortnight will begin promisingly as temperatures climb to 86F/30C in London, making it hotter than some parts of the French Riviera.

"As temperatures soar we are telling people to get down the swimming pool and keep away from the river," said Paul.

"People should keep pets and dogs out of hot cars, and watch out for fire risks. A discarded bottle can start a fire."

He predicted that humidity levels will be high in the next 24-hours as a thundery low moves northwards over France and into the UK tomorrow, bringing in a plume of hot thundery weather.

"More widespread thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow, that will bring some hail, squally winds, and flash flooding where they occur," added Paul.

"Once that low has headed away , we are into fresher, lower humidity, sunshine and the odd shower".

Temperatures will drop a little and be refreshingly warm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 70-77F/21-25C.

"This is going to be the pattern throughout the month," said Paul. "It could be the best summer since 1995".

The rest of the month is predicted to bring a mini heatwave, with temperatures soaring into the 70s, 80s and sometimes 90s broken by short-lived intense thundery outbreaks.

This pattern should remain throughout the summer.