Coastal spots such as Wells-next-the-Sea are expected to enjoy an early taste of summer.

Forecasters say highs could reach around 23C on Friday, outpacing the Spanish city, where temperatures are predicted to sit closer to 20C.

Norwich and Thetford are also forecast to see sunny temperatures of 20C, with inland areas expected to feel even warmer during peak afternoon sunshine.

The unseasonably hot spell is being driven by a plume of warm air moving up from southern Europe, bringing clear skies and sunshine across East Anglia.

The Met Office has said temperatures will sit well above the seasonal average of 15C for early May.

However, the Mediterranean-like spell of warm weather may be short-lived, with cooler conditions and the chance of showers expected to return over the bank holiday weekend.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "On Friday, there will be patchy cloud and sunny intervals.

"It will be very warm with a chance of showers.

"It will be cloudy on Saturday and Sunday with a risk of rain or showers, sometimes heavy."

© Norwich Evening News