Britain Set For Balmy 28C Autumn Hot Spell

Temperatures are expected to soar as high as 28C this week as forecasters predict Britain's warmest start to October for 26 years.

Most of the UK is set to bask in sunshine and warm southerly winds as high pressure over Europe drifts northwards.

And after thermometers peaked at 23C in Kent on Sunday, the London area could see the weather hotting up to a sweltering 28C on Friday and Saturday.

It compares to an average maximum temperature for the UK in September of 16.1C.

The Met Office says northwest Scotland and Northern Ireland will be the only areas of Britain to see unstable weather this week with some strong winds and showers.

But experts say the high pressure will start to move away on Sunday, allowing cold northerly winds back in.

:: Click for the latest Sky News weather forecast.