MUCH of the country is set to be bathed in sunshine this week - with the potential for the hottest day of the year so far.

In Bolton temperatures are predicted to reach 24C tomorrow, with glorious sunshine forecast all day.

It's set to turn a little cooler on Thursday, with highs of 20C and light showers by lunchtime, according to the Met Office.

On Friday conditions are expected to turn cloudier with temperatures reaching 17C.

BBC Weather shows the weather in Bolton will exceed some of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, with Rome, Nice, Barcelona, and Lisbon - which would typically be packed with sun-seeking tourists at this time of year - all cooler in comparison to Bolton.

Elsewhere in the UK, popular seaside resorts such as Bournemouth and Brighton, are expected to be significantly cooler over the coming days.