BLACKBURN could be as hot as Nice this week as forecasters say temperatures could hit 18°C.

The Met Office forecasts a sunny week, with temperatures rising from Saturday and peaking on Wednesday and Thursday.

In comparison the French seaside town will see its usually hot weather dissipate during the course of the week and potentially dropping as low as 13°C.

Back in the North West the early part of the week could bring rain, especially on Saturday afternoon but will give way to bright, sunny conditions later in the week.

Wednesday is set to be the warmest day as the Met Office suggests a chilly start could give way to clear weather and highs of 18°C in the afternoon.

Long range forecasts predict that the hot weather will fade towards the end of the week, with clear skies giving way to some cloud and rain.