Sunshine returns just in time for Easter: Met Office predicts 15C highs over the weekend as staycationers try and make the most of four day weekend - as rain puts a dampener on European getaways with rain set to batter southern Spain

Sunshine is set to return just in time for Easter as the Met predicts 15C highs over the weekend. 

Storm Nelson battered the country this week, bringing 70mph winds, heavy rain, hail and thunder as well as snow in parts of Devon and Wales. 

But conditions are set to settle this Easter weekend, with the area of low pressure responsible for the wet and windy conditions predicted to clear away on Friday. 

The driest weather is expected in the far northeast of the UK, according to the Met Office, with scattered showers still expected to hit large parts of the country over the weekend. 

It comes as typically sunny Spain and Portugal are set to endure heavy downpours and gusty winds over the Easter weekend, according to the Met. 

Highs of 15C are possible in the southeast of England today and 13°C in northern England and Eastern Scotland. 

Deputy Chief Metereologist, Dan Harris, said: 'The weather is expected to gradually improve following the widely unsettled spell of the past few days, with a fairly typical mix of spring-like weather across the UK. 

'There will be some sunshine, and it will feel increasingly warm for most as the winds become lighter. However, the west and especially southwest is likely to see passing showers too, which could be quite heavy and frequent at times.  

'Eastern coastal districts are also likely to feel increasingly cold as an onshore breeze develops, threatening persistent low cloud in some areas too.' 

It comes as families woke up to three inches of snow in parts of Wales on Thursday, while two inches fell in South West England.

Officials in Devon said teams had worked 'all night to keep the roads passable' for families looking to enjoy coastal trips, but motorists were warned to drive with 'extreme care'. 

And temperatures plunged to minus 4.9C (23.2F) in the Scottish Highlands as Storm Nelson buffeted the UK with winds of up to 70mph. 

The Met Office warned there was a 'small chance' of injuries and risk to life as a result of the strong winds and large waves, as well as the possibility of hail and thunder. 

Drivers were warned of long delays as more than 14million Easter getaway trips are expected over the course of the weekend, with around 20,000 cars also expected to travel through the port of Dover.

The lengthiest delays are expected between 11am and 3pm and drivers are advised to set off as early as possible or leave later in the afternoon.

Storm Nelson brought torrential rain this week, with trains delayed by high winds and planes having to abort landings.

Ferries were cancelled as the UK endured 80mph gusts, snow, hail and thunder while parks, zoos and gardens had to close with the south of England particularly badly hit.

The Met Office extended a 17-hour wind warning to cover the whole of the south coast from Cornwall to Kent and up to Suffolk. 

DFDS had to cancel some ferries from Dover to Calais and Dieppe to Newhaven, while Thameslink warned rail passengers that the winds could delay trains. Services between Bournemouth and Weymouth in Dorset had to run at reduced speed.

Drivers were told to expect 'carmageddon' amid the 'danger to life' weather alert as families on leisure journeys competed for road space with regular commuters.