A record 2.5million Britons are jetting off abroad on holiday for Easter – but many face a weather washout, forecasters warned.
Travel agents have reported more people than ever going on two-week breaks over the period.
Sean Tipton, of the Association of British Travel Agents, said most people were 'chasing better weather'.
But Met Office forecasters are predicting downpours in top resorts across the Mediterranean this week.
Ironically, some of the best weather will be in Britain with temperatures of up to 18°C (64°F).
Met Office forecaster Andrew Sibley said: 'It will be around 16C (61F) in Britain today and as high as 18°C in London.
He said the situation in the Mediterranean this week would be one of heavy showers with temperatures on the cool side – especially compared with what people would expect at this time of year.
He also warned that the showers will reach Britain by next weekend.
Meanwhile, there were warnings about travel chaos affecting airports, roads and trains as the Easter exodus begins in Britain.
Massive queues are also expected at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted because of added security measures.