European holiday hotspots like , and are set to sizzle at hot as 37C - just in time for UK half-term breaks. From Friday May 23rd many primary and secondary schools across and will shut for the summer half-term - a popular time for many families to jet abroad for an .

Now new weather maps for southwestern shows it's the place to be if holidaymakers are hunting sweltering temperatures and blue skies. The latest from WXCharts.com for midday on Friday 23rd May show the mercury could soar in Izmir, Rodos and Ayden, on Turkey's west coast, to 37C (98.6F).

North of Athens in Greece is set to see 34C (93.2F) while Italy and Sicily will reach a welcome 31C (87.8F).

The heatwave could also roast the south eastern coast of - a country that welcomed over 16 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2024.

It will follow a deluge of wet and stormy weather across Spain forecast for the coming days, with Brits who hoped to beat the half-term crowds facing disruption from heavy downpours in famous seaside spots including the .

Spain's national weather agency Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia (AE Met) has even warned that snow could be possible for the Balearic Islands around May 15.

"Increased instability is expected across the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands due to the approach of a low-pressure system from the northwest," AE Met said.

Meanwhile in the UK on Friday 23rd May, those unable to jet away or take time off will see more moderate temperatures of around 18C in London.

From Wednesday this week, the glorious summer-like sunshine across Britain looks set to stay.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris said of the UK weather this week: "Although a few showers are possible over southwest England and South Wales on Wednesday, high pressure will be firmly back in charge bringing settled, dry, and for the vast majority warm and sunny conditions for the remainder of the week.

"Daytime temperatures will be well above average away from the coast, with low to mid 20's Celsius across many central, southern and western areas.

"Temperatures will be cooler near North Sea coasts, and the extreme north of Scotland with some cloud at times. Overnight, clear skies will mean we can expect some chilly nights too.

"The settled weather is expected to continue into the weekend too as high pressure remains centred over the UK, although cloud and early mist will probably become a bit more widespread, this gradually retreating back to coasts through the course of the daytime."

England has had its driest start to spring for 69 years, the Environment Agency have said.

Millions of households are being warned of the risk of water restrictions, as parts of the country experience the driest start to the year for nearly a century.

The Environment Agency has warned of a "medium" risk of drought in England this summer without sustained rainfall, after the country experienced its driest start to spring, in March and April, in 61 years.

The regulator has said there are currently no hosepipe bans planned, but warned water companies might have to implement measures including restrictions in the months ahead.

The regulator has urged utilities to take action to cut leaks and help customers save water and Thames Water is among the firms warning of the potential for water restrictions for its 16 million customers if the weather stays dry.

It is a marked change in the weather after England endured the wettest 12 months from October 2023 to September 2024, causing devastating flooding and leaving farmers struggling to get crops into the ground.