UK to be warmer than France and Italy with balmy days ahead

Spring could be right around the corner with warmer than normal temperatures later this week (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

The UK is set to be warmer than many European countries later this week with balmy weather ahead for many areas.

The Met Office said spring could well and truly be on its way with temperatures in parts of Britain exceeding what is expected in France and Italy at this time of the year.

London could hit as high as 16°C on Thursday making it warmer than Milan at 13°C and 15°C in Nice, and on a par with conditions in Spain.

But the north to south divide will continue to hamper any signs of spring in Scotland with warnings of possible snow arriving next week.

Many places today will continue to be largely cloudy with outbreaks of rain and drizzle despite the milder temperatures.

Heavy rain will move east on Thursday but with a brighter Friday more in line with the higher than normal temperatures.

A rainbow behind Perch Lighthouse in the Clyde at Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, earlier this month (Picture: PA)

Londoners could well be in for a warm end to the week (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Rain is forecast in the west on Saturday, but it should be drier in the east with mild temperatures continuing.

The longer term forecast is predicting higher pressure on Sunday, bringing with it bright or sunny spells for much of the UK.

However, clear skies could lead to night-time frosts and fog.

A few heavier showers may develop across the west and north but for most it will be a drier day.

Temperatures in London are expected to get up to 16C later this week (Picture: Met Office)

The Met Office said showers and drizzle are expected to return later in the week.

So far this month the highest recorded temperature was 15.9°C which was at Pershore in in Worcestershire on February 3.

The warmest record for February was recorded five years ago when Kew Gardens got up to 21.2°C.

And earlier this year the Scottish village of Achfary set a new UK record for January when the mercury hit 19.9°C.

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