Weather maps reveal the exact date UK to be hotter than Istanbul and Athens

Some Brits are so desperate for a bit of sun that they’re now busy booking holidays to warmer climes.

But new weather maps have revealed that they could save their money and stay at home - as it’s set to be just as warm in the UK as in popular tourist sun spots.

The predictions from WX Charts show that the Brits are just as likely to catch some rays in this country on Thursday, May 9.

They show that in the UK there will be lows of 11C in very northern Scotland - but that the rest of the country is set for the temperature gauge to rise much higher.

The maps show that it’s set to be a high of around 20C in Leeds and the surrounding areas.

Around the Cotswolds is also set for temperatures of 20C.

Meanwhile the London area is predicted to reach around 19C, as is around North Wessex.

You might have thought that those kind of temperatures would ensure even warmer weather on the continent - but that’s not the case.

The maps show that on the same date Athens, Greece, is predicted for temperatures up to around 17C - whilst around Naples, Italy is predicted to be from 19C.

Over in Turkey Istanbul is predicted to hit temperatures of between just 14C and 17C.

Jim Dale, a senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, told Express.co.uk that it could be an "overdue switch of fortunes".

He said: “Higher pressure over the UK by this time and a warm to very warm southeasterly drag should see temps peak 21-23C in parts of England.

"Meanwhile, lower pressure and heavy rain spells are likely to plunge the Balkans, large parts of Greece and northern and western Turkey into maximums of only the mid-teens or lower in places.

"Some might suggest an overdue switch of fortunes…if it comes off!"

The Met Office’s long range forecast covers the period between Monday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 15 and predicts “fairly warm” weather.

It said: “On Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, the weather details are still fairly uncertain, but overall it should be fairly warm with scattered showers.

“There is also a chance of cloudier conditions with rain spreading from the southwest for a time on Sunday.

“As we move into the new week, the chance of rain and showers reduces as high pressure builds to the east of the UK.

“This will bring dry and fine weather for most areas, although there is still a possibility of rain or showers in the west.

“Into the following week, high pressure is likely to remain dominant.”

It adds: “Sunnier conditions are expected across the south, while it may be cloudier in the north and east. Temperatures are expected to be slightly above normal for early May.”