Parts of Suffolk are set to bask in temperatures hotter than Greek holiday destinations on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far.

Forecasters said high pressure moving across the UK has “timed itself nicely”, with sunny days expected over the bank holiday weekend.

With highs between 16C-18C expected, the county could be warmer than some Greek islands – including Santorini, Mykonos and Crete – where people may have flocked on their Easter holidays.

East Anglian Daily Times: Many people are expected to visit beaches in Suffolk over Easter weekendMany people are expected to visit beaches in Suffolk over Easter weekend (Image: Newsquest)

In Santon Downham, highs could reach 17C whereas coastal destinations like Southwold and Woodbridge will feel a little cooler with highs between 12-14C.  

The Met Office warned Britons not to underestimate the strength of the sun, with UV levels as strong as the “back end of summer”, carrying the risk of sunburn.

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Craig Snell, a Met Office forecaster, said: "For the most part it will be fairly sunny and temperatures may peak at around 18C – so, pleasantly warm out there.”

That would set a new warmest day for 2023, exceeding the current highest temperature of 17.8C on March 30 in Santon Downham.

It comes as an estimated two million British holidaymakers are heading overseas during the Easter bank holiday weekend, according to travel trade organisation Abta, which calculated the figure.