UK weather: Heat blast batters Britain with multiple regions facing balmy 21C and maps turn orange

UK weather: Heat blast batters Britain with multiple regions facing balmy 20C and maps turn orange The UK is set for a surprise burst of autumn warmth, with temperatures 'well above average' and reaching highs of 21C, according to Met Office weather maps Brits are set to bask in an unseasonably warm spell next week, with temperatures soaring to 21C despite the UK being well into autumn. After days of cooler temperatures and rain, the mercury is set to climb "well above average" in parts of the country, with the south and east in line for the warmest conditions, according to the Met Office. Maps by the forecaster show temperatures could hit 20C in multiple areas, including London, Reading, Ipswich, Norwich and Lincoln, while Cambridge is forecast to be the warmest spot at 21C on Thursday afternoon. The unexpected burst of warmth will offer a striking contrast to the cooler conditions more typical of mid-October - with daily maximums usually ranging from 12C to 16C at this time of year. Temperatures will stay cool further north, although many areas are still expected to enjoy relatively mild conditions. Cardiff and Plymouth could reach 18C, while Manchester is forecast to see highs of 16C. Scotland will feel a sharper chill, with temperatures hovering in the low teens and conditions expected to be cooler, particularly in the Highlands. The warmer weather comes after the Met Office warned conditions would be changeable next week, with temperatures likely to reach the low 20s in the warmest spots before cooler air makes a return. However, not everyone will enjoy the autumn heat, with northern and western parts of the UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, likely to see spells and blustery winds, the Met Office warned. Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone explained: "Monday is likely to be influenced by a frontal system spreading from west to east across the UK, bringing thicker cloud and some outbreaks of rain. A deepening area of low pressure to the northwest of the UK brings the prospect of gales along coasts and over high ground in northern and western parts of the UK for Monday night, which is partly driven by a strong and active jet stream. "Currently, however, these conditions are not likely to result in the need for severe weather warnings." The forecaster said temperatures on Tuesday will be "unusually mild for October," particularly in eastern and southeastern parts of England. "A band of rain will move across the UK, some of it heavy, before brighter and fresher conditions arrive from the west, but with some lively showers across Scotland and Northern Ireland," it adds. "Overnight gales in the north and west will ease during Tuesday morning, but Northern Scotland could experience further gales during the rest of Tuesday. "Temperatures are likely to reach the low 20s Celsius in the warmest spots."