LAST-minute half term heatwave could draw up to 80,000 people to Bournemouth beaches this weekend, say tourism bosses.

With temperatures on the rise, the sandy beaches are expected to be brimming with visitors making the most of the last weekend of the school holiday.s Dr Richard Wild from Bournemouth-based Weathernet predicted temperatures of around 24C today, although tomorrow would be slightly cooler.

He said: “There will be a moderate wind on both days but a pleasant refreshing breeze.

“On Sunday the temperatures will fall a little to 21/22C but will still be nice.

“It is a return to the weather we experienced at Easter.”

A spokesman for Bournemouth Tourism said: “The weather for the weekend in Bournemouth looks set to be sunny with highs of 24 degrees and a sea breeze. “Hotels and guesthouses are filling up fast and bookings are looking buoyant for this time of year. There is still plenty of availability and hotels are expecting walk-in bookings over the weekend – booking last minute dependent on weather.

“Because it’s the end of the half term holidays, we would expect up to 80,000 people to descend on Bournemouth’s seven miles of beaches.

“However, there is a threat of rain on Sunday so this could reduce.

“We now have our bespoke weather information available so people can get an up to the minute weather report – just visit Bournemouth weather.co.uk”

Dr Wild said Monday was looking dry while Tuesday will be much the same but with a risk of light rain or showers and temperatures dropping to around 19C.

The area would then experience a period of changeable weather but overall there would be a few showers with conditions generally dry, he added.

• For a complete guide to all of Dorset’s beaches, from the west of the county to Christchurch, visit dorsetbeaches.co.uk