UK weather forecast: Autumn heatwave to last through weekend, delaying 'winter freeze'

Britons see no sign of a big "winter freeze", with many preparing for a weekend of sunbathing as we head into November. The UK is set to enjoy one of the warmest Halloweens on record as temperatures could reach up to 20C in some areas. The mild weather is expected to last through the weekend, with dry and sunny conditions for most.

The summery weather follows a relatively warm week, with highs of 19C in London on 27 October. While this Halloween will not break the record for the UK's warmest, temperatures are expected to reach highs of 17-20C in parts of the south east, with the rest of the UK seeing temperatures in the mid to high teens. The north-west of Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to see the coldest weather but even here, forecasters are predicting above average temperatures.

The start of November could see similar weather to the UK's Halloween heatwave, with warm air expected to remain in the south. Forecasters have predicted temperatures could get close to the UK temperature record for November of 21.7C, which was last seen in North Wales on 4 November 1946.

The warmest Halloween on record was witnessed in 2014, when temperatures rose to 24C in west London and Kent. However, the Met Office told IBTimes UK it is unlikely to get that warm this time. Although there will not be any record-breaking heat, the mild weather will be enjoyed by many Britons who have been warned to expect the "coldest winter in 50 years".

A spokesperson for the Met Office dismissed any cold spells for the moment, saying: "The generally mild theme looks likely to continue. The extent and degree of warmth will be affected by how much cloud cover there, however, there will be some decent bright or sunny spells. Record breaking or not, this weekend provides plenty of opportunities to get out and shake off those cobwebs."

Earlier in 2015, experts warned that the strong El Nino was to bring the coldest winter Britain has seen in 50 years, which was due to hit the country "as early as October". Forecasters fear a repeat of 1963 when the worst winter in history saw temperatures plunge to near -20C in January. According to reports, snow blanketed the country for weeks and the River Thames froze.