SUNSHINE is set to return to north Essex this weekend, with temperatures expected to top 20°C in Colchester.

A wind change will bring warmer air in land, according to Essex Weather expert Tom Defty.

“We have had strong easterly winds for a long time, but we are seeing a shift to northerly winds, coming right up from North Africa and we will certainly be seeing the benefits of that,” Mr Defty said.

“The warmest temperatures will be about ten miles in land, so I would advise people to stay away from the coast as Colchester perfectly fits the bill.”

Temperatures will be about 13°C on Saturday, before jumping to 21°C on Sunday, seven degrees above the average.

“It is not unusual to have temperatures around 20°C in April, but it is unique given we have probably been seeing temperatures of seven degrees lower than the average.”

He added: “Unfortunately, that high will only last the weekend and we will be seeing things come back to normal for this time of year next week.

“One thing is for sure from the patterns, though - we have seen the last of the snow and we can be fairly sure we will have a summer this year.”