By Catherine Roberts
Sussex is one of the top hotspots in the UK today with temperatures set to hit 23C this afternoon.
The sizzling weather started last weekend when Brighton businesses saw an influx of locals and tourists.
The Fortune of War pub on Brighton beach took over £11,000 in their busiest weekend of the year.
Usually open March-October, seafront traders between the piers agree that business start dates are creeping earlier and earlier.
This year most traders opened on February 27.
John and Judy Butcher’s seafront ice cream shop has been in the family for two generations. Judy Butcher said: “It’s definitely unusual for March.
“We just open when the sun comes out.”
Following the 2011 spring-time heat wave, it looks like summer is arriving sooner for the seafront business owners.
Although temperatures will take a dive next week, Brighton traders are bracing themselves for a second wave of tourists during the Easter break.
Next week will see temperatures drop by 9C and the sunshine will be replaced by grey cloud.
