83°F heatwave for UK

Britain will enjoy a surprise burst of sunshine next week with sizzling temperatures bringing the hottest autumn days for 25 years. Experts say the thermometer could climb as high as 83F (28C) – well above average for the time of year. And it will be the last chance this year to get those barbecues out as forecasters last night re-issued warnings of an “unusually cold” autumn after the heatwave. They say another big freeze is on the way this winter. The hot spell has been dubbed a mini “Indian Summer” by weathermen who say that high pressure could cause sustained sunny weather and sultry conditions to continue until next weekend. Jonathan Powell, senior forecaster for Positive Weather Solutions, said: “We are going to see temperatures comfortably into the mid-80s. “If you haven’t put the barbecue away, it will be the perfect conditions for one. There is a bit of very good weather to be had.” High pressure is expected to remain anchored over most of Britain, with temperatures soaring from the 70s to a peak of 83F in the South by the end of the week. Although the best of the weather will be in the South and South-east, above average temperatures of 73F are predicted for the North of England, with 66F in Scotland. Forecaster Brian Gaze, of The Weather Outlook, said: “Indian summer temperatures are as certain as is possible. I’d not be surprised to see temperatures smashing through the 80F level in the South.” The late sunshine will be welcome after the coldest summer for many years. The average temperature in Britain between June and August was 57F, the lowest for 13 years. The Met Office said the South- east was likely to catch the best of the weather from today, with the mercury soaring to 72F. It said temperatures will increase steadily throughout the week. A spokesman said: “Spells of sunshine should allow it to become warm for late September, and perhaps very warm in the South-east. “The North and far West are likely to remain unsettled and windy with a risk of gales in the far North-west.” However, experts say the rest of the autumn will be unusually cold before another big winter freeze. US firm Weather Services International warned of a “cool, stormy start to the winter”. Paul Michaelwaite, of Netweather, said “widespread” snowfall could come in November. He said: “Next week’s warm weather is going to be short-lived. “October could be slightly cooler than average and November is looking cooler with the real chance of snow.”Mr Powell said: “If temperatures fall low enough then bingo, we could be looking at some early winter conditions.”