THE UK could get hotter than parts of the Mediterranean next week with temperatures expected to reach as high as 17C across the country.

The Met Office has predicted the steep rise as a blast of Caribbean hot air is expected to drift eastwards.

Mild temperatures have set in across Essex this week, increasing to double figures - but they could rise by another six or seven degrees on Monday. 

Forecasters say the hot air which is making its way over the Atlantic Ocean could mean Britain is hotter than Menorca, Majorca and Sardinia, where temperatures are around 15C to 16C at this time of year. 

The Met Office tweeted a short clip to show the warmer air moving our way: