BASINGSTOKE is forecast to be bathed in sun next week as temperatures are set top those in Barcelona.

It is forecast the North Hampshire town will see almost 13 hours of sunshine on Tuesday, with temperatures set to rise to 19 degrees celsius.

It coincides nicely with the clocks going forward this weekend, seeing an extra hour of daylight in the evening, and lockdown rules being eased to allow people to gather in groups of six outdoors.

Whilst residents will not be able to fly abroad for a break in the early Easter sun on the Mediterranean coast, it should not matter as temperatures in Basingstoke will match those felt in Ibiza, Nice and Malta, and be warmer than Athens and Barcelona.

What is the weather forecast?

Basingstoke residents will have to put up with a few days of overcast conditions before the sun comes out, however.

Friday will see drizzle and temperatures of ten degrees, according to the Met Office, whilst the weekend will also be cloudy.

But the sun is set to shine on Monday, with temperatures reaching 15 degrees in the town.

It is likely to be the first of four days of sun leading into the long Easter weekend, with temperatures forecast to hit 19C on Tuesday and 17C on Wednesday.

The forecast shows that the sun will remain out on Maundy Thursday, although temperatures will drop to 12C.

What will the lockdown restrictions be?

As previously reported, the Prime Minister announced that some restrictions will be eased as of Monday, March 29.

It will mark the end of the official 'Stay at Home' advice, although people will still be asked to work from home when possible and limit non-essential travel.

But residents will be able to gather in groups of up to six people outdoors, as long as the group is from no more than two households.

This can take place in public outdoor spaces, or in private gardens.