Map shows warmest spots in UK this week when Easter holidays kick off

Widespread sunshine will continue this week while above-average temperatures are likely to feel warmer and warmer, forecasters say.

Last weekend saw the warmest temperatures since the end of last summer, with highs of 24C, though cold winds from the North Sea kept many parts of the UK chilly, particularly in the evenings.

This week, temperatures are set to top out on Friday, with the country’s highest temperatures of 21C forecast in London and Lincolnshire.

Much of the Midlands, West Country, central Wales and Yorkshire will see highs of 20C, according to the Met Office.

In coastal areas temperatures will be a few degrees lower, while Scotland’s highest temperature of the day, 17C, is expected in Dundee.

But forecasters expect the temperature sensation to be higher than last weekend because winds will generally be lighter.

Higher air pressure will ‘bring fine weather with plenty of warm sunshine by day’ as the week draws to a close, the Met Office said.

‘Cloudier skies’ are expected on the UK’s eastern coastline from Wednesday onward.

This weekend’s weather is still a matter of long-range forecasting, meaning predictions are less accurate.

Speaking of Saturday onwards, Met Office added: ‘Most areas will be dry and sunny with light winds at first as high pressure extends across much of the UK.

‘However, it will be cloudier and breezier in parts of the far north with some light rain or drizzle at times.

‘Temperatures will be above normal away from windward coasts.’

Easter week is expected to see a ‘gradual change to a more unsettled weather regime’, with longer spells of rain ‘which could be heavy and thundery in places’.

‘Strong winds could develop in some areas, particularly the south and west,’ forecasters added.

‘Temperatures are likely to return closer to normal.’

Families heading to southern Europe for hotter weather over the school holidays may be disappointed, as Storm Olivier is set to batter Spain, Portugal and the Canaries.

Weather warnings for heavy rain are in place in four of the Canary Islands on Wednesday, and thunderstorms and hail are expected to hit the Iberian peninsula the following day.

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