Britain looks set to bake in up to 28C on autumn heat as an October blast makes mercury sizzle.
Possible highs of 25C could hit the UK by as early as next week, with temperatures hitting 28C by later this month.
A leading meteorologist suggested mercury will soar across much of the country but particularly in the South East of England.
Met Office weather expert Greg Dewhurst told The Daily Express: "It stays mixed through the rest of this week, with temperatures generally above average and reaching the low twenties at times across southern parts of the UK.
WATCH NOW: Met Office weather forecast
"There are signs that if we get enough sunshine on Monday (details uncertain at this stage) we could see temperatures climb to around 25C in the southeast of England but then fresher air moving in soon after this."
He added: "Beyond this it becomes too uncertain to give details on numbers themselves, but it could be warm at times in the south, though this may lead to it being chilly at night under any clearer skies."
Weather expert Phil Morrish also suggested mercury in London could hit even higher later on, adding: "Some models are showing 25-28C for London between October 5 and 9."
Forecasting websites WXCHARTS and NetWeather indicated temperatures could hit as high as 25C in the south of England over the same period.
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Maximum temperatures in early October
WXCHARTS
However, the Met Office’s immediate weather forecast suggests wet conditions will remain in place over the week.
The UK’s national weather service’s update for September 29 said: "Early morning rain soon clearing southeast. A bright and breezy day, with plenty of sunny spells for most.
"A scattering of showers in the north and west, these most frequent across Scotland, where it will also be windy."
Looking ahead to Saturday, the Met Office added: "A bright start on Saturday, but skies will quickly turn cloudy from the west with rain sweeping north and east across central and northern areas. Staying dry in the south."
Maximum temperatures in early October
NETWEATHER
A total of 37 flood warnings and alerts are in place today after Storm Agnes battered parts of the country.
England’s Environment Agency issued two flood warnings and 17 alerts.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency put out a further two warnings and four alerts.
Natural Resources Wales issued an additional 12 alerts.
