The warm weather that is predicted to reach England in May could bring a 'plague of giant jellyfishes' to our beaches, experts have warned.
A huge barrel jellyfish has already been washed up in Dorset and the creatures were spotted off Dawlish yesterday.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) are warning that the predicted hot weather could bring an influx.
Richard Harrington from the Marine Conservation Society said: "This predicted hot weather to come, can mean that even more jellyfish are likely to wash up or be in the seas around places like the West Country
"Although this species is harmless their numbers are likely to grow fairly quickly as sea temperatures rise.
"We are very keen to hear from people that find any washed up anywhere around the country.
"This is an Atlantic species and are sometimes found washed up but still advise the public not to touch them."
Barrel jellyfish can grow up to 80cm in diameter, weighing 35kg. They have no tentacles but can cause irritation to human skin.
Dorset resident Suzanne Sheldon, 48, reported the jellyfish to the MCS after she found it on the beach.
She said: "I came across this massive jellyfish as I took my dog for a walk on a quiet beach at Portland, it was at least three foot in width and was very bulky too.
"It was the largest jellyfish I have ever seen".
Yesterday a 'swarm' of jellyfish were spotted washed up on beaches near Exeter.
Teignmouth resort staff have been clearing the non-harmful Rhizostoma Octopus or barrel jellyfish from the shoreline at Dawlish Warren and Coryton Cove.
A Teignbridge District Council spokesman said:
"Our resorts team have cleared dead barrel jellyfish found washed up on some of our beaches.
"We'd like to reassure residents and visitors that their sting is not harmful to humans but if you spot one, it's a good idea to report it to us so we can deal with it."
Meanwhile operators have decelerated this season as the best for spotting basking sharks off the Westcountry coast, with some of the sharks reaching 25 feet.
The fish have returned in numbers to the Cornish coast – and cruise operators are expecting more exotic sightings including jellyfish and puffins.
