Halloween heatwave: temperatures could reach 20C

As large swathes of the nation don their overcoats and wellies, it may seem pretty clear that the halcyon days of summer are firmly behind us. However, meteorologists are predicting that Britain may be in for a final burst of sunshine. Could there be a Halloween heatwave?

Although rain will continue to lash much of the UK for the remainder of the week, a welcome blast of warm air from Spain is expected at the weekend, when temperatures could be as high as 20C.

Weather Network spokesman Richard Chapman told the Daily Mirror: "For the all-important Halloween evening, current indications favour dry weather for many areas, with light southerly winds, and mild temperatures. Saturday's highs may reach a very mild 17C to 20C."

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Trick-or-treaters might find themselves getting uncomfortably warm under their masks and costumes, with balmy evening temperatures of up to 14C. It will be a short respite from the onset of winter, however, with temperatures expected to hover only slightly above the seasonal average as November begins.

The Met Office says that next month will see a north-south divide, with the northwest of the country battered by heavy rain and gales, while the southeast remains relatively dry and mild.

The tabloids are already fizzing with speculation as to whether Britain will enjoy a 'white Christmas' this year, but Met Office experts have cautioned that it is too early to predict the chance of snow over the holiday.

Meanwhile, persistent downpours have put several areas of the country in danger of flooding. Yesterday, the Environment Agency issued 25 flood alerts and five serious flood warnings, with low-lying portions of the Devon and Cornwall coastline at the highest risk.

Flooding is likely to be limited to land and roads, however, only affecting a handful of properties.