Britain could be in for a white Halloween with temperatures expected to plummet in the coming weeks after an Indian summer.

The Met Office has said snowy weather is likely in parts of the country as October moves into November, though it will probably be confined to higher ground initially.

Colder temperatures will take hold o the UK in early November, but before then Brits will bask in sunshine and 21C heat from Thursday, just days after flash floods in London.

October's warm start will last until at least Sunday with temperatures rivalling those in Los Angeles (21C), Barcelona (21C) and Rome (20C), well above the 15C average for this time of year.

London and the South East will be the warmest regions.

Met Office forecaster Sarah Kent told the Sun: “It’s going to be lovely and warm throughout the weekend.

“And it’s more than welcome after the heavy rainfall we saw at the start of the week."

South-westerly winds are pulling in sub-tropical air, making it warm by day and mild by night, she added.

It will be the first time temperatures have risen above 20C in October since 2019.

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst told the Mirror previously that snow later this month is likely to fall over the Scottish mountains and higher ground in northern England and northern Wales.

The long-term forecast states: "Moving forward, wider dry spells are likely across the country, with the risk of overnight fog which will clear by day.

"Through this period temperatures will remain near or above average.

"There is a chance of a colder settled period becoming established by early November."

Met Office five-day weather forecast

Thursday

Windy in the northwest with rain for some in Scotland and Northern Ireland, heavy at times mainly over hills.

The far northwest may brighten up later.

Elsewhere low cloud lifting and breaking. Warm away from more persistent rain.

Thursday night

Unusually warm with rain continuing for Northern Ireland, Scotland and far northwest England.

Drier and clearer in far north west and much of England and Wales with some fog patches.

Friday

Some rain persisting over Scotland and Northern Ireland and starting to move northwards.

Dry elsewhere with fog patches in south and southeast gradually clearing to leave some sunshine.

Warm.

Saturday to Monday

Rain easing as it comes southeast Saturday.

Fine ahead of this with patchy fog.

Blustery in the far north, with showers later.

Rain spreads east across other northern areas Monday.