SUFFOLK will be as hot as Madrid and Monte Carlo this Bank Holiday weekend – but don’t overstock on sun cream just yet, forecasters are warning.

The county is set to reach Mediterranean temperature highs of 21C (70F) with a mixture of cloud and sun predicted over the next three days.

But Jim Bacon, forecaster at University of East Anglia-based Weatherquest, advised people not to panic-buy sun tan lotions ahead of the break.

“I don’t think Suffolk residents will be getting the unbroken sunshine they have enjoyed over the last week or so,” he said.

“There will be some rain showers Friday night and going into Saturday morning – enough to cause some large puddles.

“But it will be feeling a lot more humid with temperatures around 15C-20C (59F-68F).”

Mr Bacon said there would be a mixture of sun and cloud after the rain clears through Saturday morning.

He added that Monday was most likely going to be the warmest day, with highs of 21C anticipated – putting Suffolk on a par with Majorca and Barcelona.

The temperatures are warmer than average for the time of year, sparking a change in fortunes for sunbathers following the coldest April in 24 years.

In Monte Carlo, temperatures are set to remain as low as 13C (55F) over the Bank Holiday weekend, with showers predicted, while a similar outlook is predicted for the north of England, with highs of 16C (61F) and more showers.