UK weather maps show balmy 21C Indian summer in October with 48-hour heat blast

Britain is set to enjoy a brief burst of summer warmth this October, with weather charts showing temperatures soaring to 21C in parts of the country. The short-lived spell has been described as a 48-hour Indian summer blast, offering a welcome reprieve from the cooling days of early autumn.

Forecast data from WXCharts suggests that from Saturday, October 4, warm air will sweep northwards from Spain and France into the UK, raising daytime highs well above the seasonal average. Southern and central England are likely to see the warmest conditions, though much of the country will benefit from milder weather.

The Met Office explains that while "Indian summer" is not an official meteorological term, it is often used to describe a period of unseasonably warm and settled weather during the autumn months.

But the warmth will be fleeting. By Monday October 6, cooler Atlantic air is expected to sweep across the UK, dragging temperatures back down to more typical October levels and increasing the likelihood of wind and showers.

Cities such as Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester, Kingston-upon-Hull and York will see highs of 21C. Meanwhile, further up north in Scotland, temperatures will stay low between 9C and 12C.

The Met Office's Long-Range Forecast (Thursday, October 2 - Saturday, October 11) states: "A broadly northwest-southeast split in conditions to start, with spells of rain and strong winds affecting northwestern areas and predominantly dry weather towards the southeast.

"As Hurricane Humberto moves into the North Atlantic and loses its tropical characteristics, this will likely have an influence on the UK's weather, with the potential for wet and very windy conditions around the first weekend of October."

While a short, balmy Indian summer is on the cards, the start of October will also bring a risk of stormier conditions in the north and west as ex-tropical systems push across the Atlantic.

For now, the early October sunshine is expected to provide one last taste of summer, perfect for outdoor plans, gardening, or simply soaking up the final rays before autumn weather takes hold once again.