The UK is set to be hotter than several top European holiday destinations this week with temperatures forecast to hit 21C.
Brits are set to enjoy warmer temperatures than those jetting off to Saint-Tropez, Ibiza and Crete, with many areas in England reaching the low 20s.
Thursday is expected to be the warmest day, with a mixture of sunshine, rain and cloud as the mercury rises between Monday and Wednesday, the Met Office has said.
However, temperatures are unlikely to surpass the 23.4C recorded at St James's Park in London last month, which was the hottest day of the year.
Forecasters have predicted a nine-day mini-heatwave in less than a week's time with temperatures turning up a few notches.
While it is not an official heatwave, the warmer weather could last longer and stay dry and sunny for some time.
It comes after an Easter sizzler weekend when bitter winds and snow gave way to a balmy tropical blast.
Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: "This week is a funny old one.
"There's a fair bit of rain and cloud around as well as sunny spells, with many areas gradually warming up until Thursday which should be the warmest day.
"Between Monday and Wednesday temperatures will sit in the high teens and low 20s in Wales and central and southern parts of the England, while eastern Scotland could reach 19C.
"But in parts of Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland there will be cloud and some scattered showers."
Thursday will see high teens quite widely across the country with parts of the South East rising as high as 21C, according to the forecaster.
There is also an outside chance of 22C in areas where there is more sunshine, according to Mr Partridge.
"So there's a warm spell in store for many but don't expect the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies we saw in April," he added.
The Met Office has said there is an area of high pressure to the south of the UK.
While there is low pressure above northern areas.
Many areas will then become cooler from Friday and during the weekend, forecasters predict.
Forecast for next five days:
Today:
Rather cloudy, but also some sunny intervals and warmer than Sunday away from the northeast. Any rain in southwest clearing, then scattered showers developing, particularly northern England and southern Scotland.
Tonight:
Most showers dying out but some persisting over southern Scotland, northern and eastern England. Mostly cloudy but a few clear spells. Chilly in northeast and some fog patches in southwest.
Tuesday:
Mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain and showers at times. Cool in the east but feeling warm in sunny spells in southwest.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Showery rain pushes east Weds, with showers potentially heavy/thundery in the east for a time early afternoon. Thereafter, variable cloud and some occasional rain/showers. Becoming rather warm/warm for many.
