Swathes of the UK are set for a sizzling Easter 'heatwave', according to forecasters on Monday.

Britain will be hotter than Majorca - but not Birmingham, unfortunately.

The Met Office says temperatures are set to soar as cold air from Scandinavia is forced out.

A swathe of Mediterranean air will sweep Britain, sparking rising temperatures as the mercury hits as high as 22C in some areas.

But Birmingham will see highs of just 18C - but that still may be hot enough for you to be tempted into a trip to your local beer garden.

Temperatures will climb into the 20s on Good Friday and could hit 22C, the Met Office said.

Temperatures will rise substantially tomorrow. Photo by Colin Lane

Forecaster Simon Partridge said Good Friday will be pleasant and the mercury will rise to exceed 20C in areas on Saturday and Easter Sunday.

The Spanish island of Majorca and Barcelona are forecast to see highs of about 18C with cloud cover and rain.

It could be a wet and windy Monday with outbreaks of rain soaking much of Ireland, Wales and south-west England as a weather front approaches from the west.

The rest of the country will be mainly dry and it will start to feel less-cold than recent days as chilly air moves away to the east.

However, the wind and rain will make Spring seem a long way off for some with widespread blustery rain spreading across Ireland and heading towards western areas of the UK.

Winds will be fresh to strong and gusty from the south-east, reaching gale force along south and west coasts of Ireland.

Rain will eventually arrive in Wales and the west of England and Scotland through the day and later into the evening, according to The Weather Channel.

A spokesperson added: “Low pressure to the west will bring fresh to strong winds to Ireland at first, reaching gale force with heavy rainfall in the west as well as colder than normal.

“The rain and fresh winds will reach Wales, western parts of England and Scotland later on Monday and Monday.”

It should turn more showery on Tuesday before higher pressure brings increasingly settled weather with sunshine, gentle winds and it becomes much warmer towards the latter part of the week.

Five-day forecast for Birmingham

Today:

After a chilly start, there will be plenty of sunshine through today. It will be breezy, but it will stay dry and sunny into the evening. Maximum temperature 14 °C.

Tonight:

The wind will ease tonight and it will stay dry. It will be milder than recent nights and it will stay frost free. Minimum temperature 5 °C.

Tuesday:

Tuesday will be mostly grey and overcast. During the late morning or early afternoon, showery rain will reach some parts. Maximum temperature 13 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

It will be dry, bright and breezy over the next few days. There will be sunny spells and it will turn warm or very warm by Friday.