SIZZLING temperatures are predicted across East Lancashire – and it looks as though the hot, sunny weather might be here to stay – at least for a bit.

The Met Office predicts the area will see temperatures equalling those in southern Spain and Mexico, with highs of 26 to 27C today and possibly up to 29C on Wednesday.

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Early predictions suggest that the hot spell might be with us for at least the next fortnight. Although temperatures will drop a few degrees on Thursday they will start warming up again for a sunny weekend and on into next week.

“Apart from a 40 per cent chance of showers on Wednesday, from Thursday it looks fairly dry,” said Dan Williams, of the Met Office.

The long-term outlook for the rest of July and August however still remains mixed, with some forecasters warning the rain could be back.

This week ice-cream parlours and organisers of outdoor events across the area said they would be making the most of the good weather.

Andrea Richards, who runs Slaters Ice-Cream Parlour, said she was always cautious of forecasts.

“The weather is everything to us. It’s always better if it’s sunny, sometimes when it’s hot but overcast it’s not as busy. We’re always trying to look ahead, especially in our area,” she said, describing her 30 years’ experience in the ice cream trade.

Across the county, events like this weekend’s Moofest music festival at Wellybobs Farm in Darwen; Pendle Cycling Festival which starts tomorrow and Friday’s Moorland Safari, looks set to benefit from the hot spell.