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

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.