DORSET is set to be bathed in sunshine next week as temperatures match those in Barcelona.

The Met Office has forecast Dorset will see just under 13 hours of sunshine on Tuesday, as the mercury is set to reach 18 degrees celcius. The sun will rise at 6.50am and set at 7.38pm.

This coincides nicely with the clocks going forward in the early hours of this morning, giving us an extra hour of daylight in the evenings, and with lockdown rules being eased to allow people to gather in groups of six outdoors from tomorrow.

While we are unable to jet off on holidays abroad for an Easter break, it should not matter, as temperatures in Dorset will match those felt in Barcelona, Ibiza, Nice and Malta, and will be even warmer than Athens.

What is the weather forecast?

After an overcast day today, the sun is expected to burst through clouds tomorrow morning, bringing temperatures of around 14 degrees celcius. This is expected to rise to 18 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, before cooling off as we move closed to the Easter bank holiday weekend, with 10 degrees forecast for Good Friday.

What changes will come into force tomorrow?

The 'stay at home' order will lift from tomorrow with the rule of six set to return and outdoor sports facilities set to be reopen.

The rule of six means that people are allowed to meet outside in groups up to a maximum of six people under Government law.

Any gathering that exceeds this number is banned and the police are permitted to disperse groups of more than six people, as well as fine individuals.

The rule also includes private gardens.

Outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis courts and basketball courts, are also able to reopen from tomorrow.