PARTS of Somerset are set to be be hotter than cities in Spain and Greece this week as the UK continues to bathe in spring sunshine.

Dry, sunny conditions could see temperatures rise as high as 21C on Friday in north and mid Somerset, with 20C temperatures throughout the west of the county, while Barcelona is set to peak at 18C, the Met Office has said.

Over the weekend, Somerset residents will see highs of 19C which is expected to be just as warm as, if not hotter than, the Greek city, Athens.

Some light rain is expected throughout the county today (Thursday, April 3), which will then remain dry, with no rain forecast for the coming week.

Met Office five-day forecast for the South West

The Met Office says temperatures are set to rise ahead of the weekend
The Met Office says temperatures are set to rise ahead of the weekend (The Met Office says temperatures are set to rise ahead of the weekend)

Today

Scattered showers soon arriving across Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, these perhaps spreading to remaining counties later. However, many places staying largely dry. Sunniest and warmest in eastern counties. Brisk easterly winds developing, and rather windy again in exposed coastal regions. Maximum temperature 19 °C.

Tonight

A chance of further showers this evening, with more general rain possible, albeit not everywhere. Becoming mainly dry by the morning with coastal mist and hill fog in places. Milder. Minimum temperature 8 °C.

Friday

Any mist and low cloud clearing to leave sunny spells. Increasingly sunny by the afternoon. Temperatures above average and feeling warm albeit cooler on coasts with brisk easterly winds again. Maximum temperature 22 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday

Mainly sunny over the weekend and into next week too. Temperatures generally lower than on Friday with chilly nights but feeling warm in the sunshine. Brisk easterly winds continuing.