BANK Holiday Monday could be the hottest day of the year so far as Britain is expected to bask in temperatures higher than in some parts of Italy and France.

Temperatures will get gradually warmer throughout the weekend and will creep above 20C (68F) in some places on Monday, beating temperatures in the sunny European destinations.

This morning may be cloudy and showery to start, but it is expected to brighten up as the day progresses, and will continue to improve into tomorrow.

The warmest day of the year so far was on April 25 when temperatures climbed to 23C (73F), and forecasters believe Monday may break that record, or at the very least match it.

Paul Mott, a meteorologist at MeteoGroup, said that while the temperatures over central and eastern England are expected to be in the low 20s, it might just climb above 23C in London and East Anglia.

"There's a chance it could be the warmest day of the year so far. Temperatures will be higher than quite a bit of Italy.

"Northern parts of Italy and south east France will be about 20C," he said.

This year's expected sunny Bank Holiday will be a big improvement from last year, which saw rain and a temperature high of 16C (60.8F) at Exeter Airport.

Temperatures hit 20C in London yesterday, and Mr Mott said the capital and East Anglia can expect the best weather Britain has to offer this weekend - with some mixed conditions elsewhere.

He said conditions in Scotland will not be the best in Britain as the weekend continues, adding: "Scotland and Northern Ireland will have more cloud and rain as well, particularly in the west of Scotland."

The outlook is positive elsewhere with Monday predicted to be the best of the three-day weekend.

Eastern areas of England will be good on Sunday with lengthy periods of sunshine, Mr Mott said.

The warm weather is expected to see a surge in demand for barbecues, with Asda reporting a sales increase of 142 per cent while Marks and Spencer report sales of its barbecue range - The Grill - are expected to double on last year.

Meanwhile, Superdrug has reported an increased demand for beauty products such as false toe nails, wax strips and fake tan.