The highest temperature in Suffolk this year was recorded at the weekend, and the fine weather is set to continue.

Jim Bacon, meteorologist at regional forecasters Weatherquest, said a reading of 30.1C (86.2F) was recorded at Cavendish, near Sudbury, on Saturday, while a typical temperature at the coast was 20C (68F).

He said the weather would stay fine and dry this week, although it will be slightly cooler during the second half with the chance of some showers.

This weekend’s hot weather saw people flock to outdoor attractions, with coastal areas saying trade had been boosted.

Naomi Tarry, chairman of Aldeburgh Business Association, said there was a “holiday atmosphere”.

“Everyone is out on the beach, having their fish and chips, shopping in the wonderful independent shops and there’s just a real holiday spirit,” she said. “I think we have had so much bad weather people are really out there making the most of it.”

Guy Mitchell, chairman of Southwold Chamber of Commerce, said the fine weekend had given businesses a good start to the summer period.

“It has gradually been picking up, but still the weather hasn’t been brilliant this year and the economy hasn’t helped, but it is showing signs of picking up now,” he said.

In Bury St Edmunds, families relaxed with ice creams and picnics in the Abbey Gardens.

Jane Olgun, an officer at Bury’s tourist information centre, said the town had been busier on Saturday than yesterday, adding: “People will be in their gardens and going to the coast.”

Mr Bacon said this week the weather is due to stay “fine and dry and very warm”. He said temperatures would be 25-30C for the first half of this week, cooling off a bit towards the weekend. Most places would avoid showers, he added. He said he did not yet know if yesterday’s temperature in Suffolk would beat Saturday’s.

But while many were busy making the most of the weekend weather, some managed to run into trouble.

The Harwich inshore RNLI launch and Felixstowe Coastguard were sent out in response to calls that two kayakers needed help off Felixstowe, with one in the water being helped by the other.

They were kept under observation by the coastguard while they made their way to the shore and the lifeboat was stood down

In north Essex, a man was given safety advice as he had run into difficulties after jumping into the sea from Clacton Pier.

And the fire service has warned people to be careful with barbecues after a fire in Ipswich was believed to have been started by an ember. Three large sheds were destroyed by the blaze early on Saturday in Selkirk Road, on the Rushmere estate.

Crews were called around 4am and returned to base within an hour.