Britain is set to be hotter than Madrid this weekend - but forecasters warn a cold snap and maybe even snow are on the horizon.
Summer-like temperatures of 18C will see the UK holding its own against some of Europe's top holiday hotspots today and tomorrow.
In contrast, heavy rain is due to wash out Spain and Portugal before moving into France.
Yesterday saw 19C in Flintshire, north-east Wales, as western UK basked in warm and dry sunshine, though the east was cooler thanks to brisk wind gusts.
It comes after beaches, parks and beauty spots were packed with sun-seekers over the Easter bank holiday, which included the hottest day of the year so far last Saturday.
BBC forecaster Louise Lear said there will be "a lot of dry weather " across the UK.
Saturday saw a chilly and cloudy start for many, with a few showers predicted in parts of the Midlands before the afternoon, as well as south Wales and south-west England.
"Eventually the cloud should break up and the sunshine comes through but the best of the sunshine again reserved for north west England, western Scotland and Northern Ireland," said Ms Lear.
"We could see 16 to 18C as an afternoon high."
She went on to say the north-westerly wind may well break up some of the cloud "a little quicker" on Sunday, "so more sunshine coming through".
But any similar surges in temperature will be short-lived as Monday is expected to bring a turn for the worst - though there could still be plenty of sunshine to take some of the edge off.
Ms Lear said: "Temperatures could be colder than average next week even with some night frosts, but we lose the wind Tuesday and into Wednesday so some good new and with some sunshine coming through as well."
The Met Office is warning of a sub-zero plunge, with London facing lows of 4C and parts of the north, Scotland and Belfast at risk of hitting zero.
WXCharts are even forecasting snow before the end of the month in northern Scotland, as well as in southern England and Wales from May 1.
Forecaster Tom Morgan warned that the cold snap is far from "great news for gardeners".
He told MailOnline : "They may have spent the weekend planting beneath the sun but we could see patchy frosts by Wednesday which could undo all of their hard work.
"Some rural spots could drop to -3C through the first part of the week.
"It will feel more spring-like during the day, despite the occasional showers, but not in the mornings or overnight."
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
A cloudy start across much of England and Wales with a few spots of rain, then a few heavy showers breaking out across central, southern and western parts this afternoon. Elsewhere, warm sunny spells developing for many but remaining breezy.
Tonight:
Some showery rain affecting the far south. Dry with clear spells elsewhere, though low cloud affecting some northeastern areas, especially across Scotland.
Sunday:
Most parts dry with broken cloud and sunny spells. A few showers possible, mostly across central and eastern England during the afternoon. Brisk northeasterly winds slowly easing.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
A few showers on Monday, mainly for England, otherwise dry with sunny spells. Breezy along some south and east coasts; light winds elsewhere. Chilly by night with some rural frost.
