Winter may finally be over as Mediterranean temperatures are set to hit Norfolk and Waveney with many expected to see the hottest day of the year so far.

An influx of warm, continental air from Monday will see the biggest impact in the south-east of England, but the whole country is set for warm sunny weather with temperatures 10C above the norm for mid-April.

Dr Richard Jones, from Norwich-based Weatherquest, said parts of Norfolk could see highs of 22C.

'It will certainly feel more spring like this week with some of the best weather of the year so far in terms of being out and about,' he said. 'The start of the week is not looking brilliant but it will improve.

'Monday will be dry with sunny spells with highs of 17C across the region but there will be a chance of showers. Tuesday will be the last day of cloud and rain for the week with highs of 18C and some south westerly winds.

'Moving into the second part of the week I'm confident we will see the warmest day of the year so far with good spells of spring sunshine and highs of 21C but it will feel a little cooler along the coast.

'This warm weather will stay with the region for Thursday and Friday with a chance of temperatures reaching 22C and some of the best sunshine will be in places like Norwich and Thetford.'

Forecasters say the south-east of England could see temperatures hitting the mid-20s (C) by the end of the week - which will be on a par with the Costa del Sol, Rome and Greece.