Britain could see midsummer temperatures of 21C over Easter with a blast of "Saharan" hot air, a forecaster has said.
The scorching heat, after last month saw a sub-zero chilly weather leave much of the UK shivering, would be hotter than Malta.
A "Saharan" blast of hot air is expected to send the mercury rising in the coming days, just in time for the Bank Holiday - though there is still plenty of chance of more rain.
In comparison, the likes of Malta, in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, is only forecast to reach 18C.
Holiday favourite Greece and party capital Ibiza in the Balearics are due to enjoy 17 and 16C, respectively.
BBC meteorologist Louise Lear said the Saharan air will be "pushing its way steadily north with the exception perhaps of the Northern Isles".
Speaking during last night's weather forecast, she added: “It looks like Wednesday will be the warmest day of the week with 19C or 20C not out of the question and a great deal of dry weather as we head towards the Easter weekend.”
Jim Dale, of British Weather Services, said: "The trend is for temperatures to rise.
"If things play out, we could be looking at 20C or 21C in the south over Easter."
Good Friday is set for temperatures up to 18C.
Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said it will get hottest in the southeast, though parts of the north and Scotland could see some rain.
"The general trend is for it to turn warmer with higher pressure increasingly likely through the week and into the following week," he said.
However, until mid-week, Brits will have to contend with the prospect of rain spells, according to Meteogroup.
The Met Office's forecast says: "Showers in places Friday and Saturday, but a good deal of dry weather for most. Becoming warm, especially in the south."
Its long range forecast adds: "Sunday will be largely cloudy for many with some warm sunny spells, with rain mainly confined to the north and west.
"Perhaps dull and musty in the morning and evening, especially along western coasts with some low cloud. Windy in the northwest. Into next week remaining similar with plenty of fine, warm weather."
