The country could be in for the hottest start to November in history, forecasters say. The Met Office predicts the temperature to be more than 21.7C (71F) on Sunday – the record set 69 years ago in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, North Wales.
Hot air from Portugal is bringing the out-of-season sizzle, which will make the UK hotter than the Mediterranean. Highs of 21C are expected on Saturday and “exceptionally mild” sunshine in the ¬afternoon, forecasters said.
The balmy weather – 6C above average – is set to continue throughout the week with settled conditions in the south and east of England.
The predictions would make today the second-hottest Halloween, behind last year’s high of 23.6C at Kew Gardens, London, and Gravesend, Kent.
British Weather Services senior meteorologist Jim Dale said: “Somewhere in the UK could hit a record November temperature in the week from Sunday.”
The Met Office said: There is a possibility that parts of South East England could see maximum temperatures in the high teens, perhaps touching 21-22C.
“The extent and degree of warmth will be affected by how much cloud cover there is, which is difficult to forecast accurately three days ahead. However, there will be decent bright or sunny spells.
“On Sunday we can expect similar weather to Saturday, with many places staying dry with bright or sunny spells after mist or fog clears.”
Chillier conditions are expected in the north, with highs of 14-15C in Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle. But it will still feel spring-like when the clouds clear.
Some rainfall will also hang around Scotland on Saturday morning, with the clouds clearing towards lunchtime and sunshine expected in the afternoon.
Weather Network spokesman Richard Chapman added: The most likely areas to see rainfall during the evening are in the far north and west. Southern areas of Britain will escape with drier conditions.
The outlook for the next few weeks looks set to be more miserable, with wetter than usual conditions. But it will still feel warm with highs of 14C on Monday and Tuesday in London.
The unseasonal weather will be little consolation to residents in the West Country, who were hit by flooding. Coastal towns and villages across Cornwall found themselves under water as spring tides overtopped harbour walls.
Despite the Environment Agency issuing a series of flood warnings and alerts across the UK today, forecasters predict the weather should now stay calm and dry.
Will you be donning shorts this weekend?