Easter bank holiday weekend hits European holiday hotspots

The Easter bank holiday weekend is expected to affect several popular holiday hotspots with Britons.

Those hoping to escape to Europe for some sunshine may be disappointed as rain is expected to sweep across the continent.

Spain and Portugal, two popular weekend getaway destinations, will be hit by thunderstorms and strong winds.

Madrid will be cooler than London this weekend, with lows dropping to 5C and highs reaching 11C on Saturday, compared to London’s lows of 8C and highs of 14C.

Rain has swept across southern Spain, with religious processions affected by torrential downpours.

France will also face gloomy weather, with heavy downpours expected and temperatures dropping to 15C in Nice.

Travelers flying to the eastern Mediterranean will enjoy warmer weather. Warm and sunny weather is expected in Italy and Greece, with weekend temperatures reaching 24C in Rome and Palermo, 22C in Athens and 23C in Budapest.

But Britons enjoying a “staycation” in the UK are not so lucky and may be forced to stay indoors as strong winds put some areas at risk of flooding.

Many parts of the country were already facing rainy weather ahead of the weekend, with torrential downpours hitting southern parts of the country starting on Tuesday.

The wet weather trend is set to continue into Wednesday, with heavy showers expected in Wales and south-west England in the late afternoon.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: “Showers will continue into the weekend, particularly in the south and west.

“However, we are likely to see conditions improve in most areas, with showers tending to drop, particularly in the east and north, with better chances of longer periods of sunshine.

“The winds will also lighten up and temperatures should start to rise, making it feel warm in any sunshine.”

Forecasters have warned that Good Friday is expected to be hit by heavy rain and wind, with the south and west facing more frequent downpours.

The wet weather will continue into Saturday, but brighter weather is possible in the north and east of the country.