Why the Easter sunseekers would be better off at home

For all those heading to the Mediterranean this week in the hope of escaping the miserable Easter weather, the forecast is clouds accompanied by a deep depression.

The Met Office is predicting that heavy showers will hit resorts in Spain, France, Italy and even Turkey throughout the week.

By contrast, Britain will enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and temperatures as high as 18c (64f).

Spain has already been hit by flash floods, with Palma in Majorca receiving twice its average monthly rainfall in just two days

last week. Travellers heading to Italy will also find it much cooler than usual, with temperatures in Milan staying below 10c (50f) this week.

Met Office forecaster Andrew Sibley said: "The situation in the Mediterranean this week will be one of heavy showers with temperatures on the cool side, especially compared to what you would expect there for the time of year.

"There will be long spells of rain in the South of France, the east coast of Italy, southern Spain, Portugal, Corsica and Sardinia.

"On Thursday, the cool air is also getting down towards Turkey.

He added: "It will be around 16c (61f) in Britain on Monday and as high as 18c (64f) in London. For most of the rest of the week, it will be about 14c (57f) or 15c (59f).

"There will be sunny spells and it will feel quite pleasant at times."

But Britain's weather could take a turn for the worse over the Easter weekend, according to MeteoGroup UK weather forecaster Julian Mayes. "There will be some showers around, particularly on Good Friday," he said.

"It will be the usual mix of spring weather, turning wetter and unsettled in the North West of England."

As the great Easter getaway begins, travellers have been warned to expect chaos at airports, on the roads and on trains.

Massive queues are expected at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted because of added security measures.

An RAC spokesman said he expected heavy traffic from Thursday afternoon onwards.