Are you ready for the warmest week of the year?

Dig out your summer sandals, dust off the barbecue and get ready for some sunshine, because we could be about to enjoy the warmest week of the year so far.

Most of us enjoyed a warm day yesterday and, according to the Met Office, temperatures are likely to rise to the mid-teens by early afternoon today.

Although we might see a few spots of rain by late afternoon, Leon Brown, Chief Meteorologist at The Weather Channel, forecasts a sunny start to the week. He says that Tuesday looks likely to be the warmest day, with temperatures reaching 20C in the south.

The Daily Express reports that a band of hot air from Spain could mean that the south is set for a particularly balmy few days, although the best of the weather is unlikely to reach northern areas.

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, told the Daily Express: "Next week is looking warm again. By Thursday we could see another spike bringing temperatures of 22C, though this is mainly in the south-east. In the north it is going to be cooler and more unsettled with wind and rain."

The Met Office forecasts "bright and breezy" weather until Thursday, with temperatures "feeling warmer".

Monday is expected to be "dry and bright" for most of England and Wales, with "largely fine and dry" weather for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. However, there will be rain at times in the north and west.

Click on the image below to find out where to go for the best weather in Europe...

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