UK weather: Exact date 20C Spanish plume to hit as 'Indian Summer' hopes soar

The latest UK weather maps show that temperatures are set to rise as an Iberian plume approaches

The latest weather maps for the UK suggest a rise in temperatures as an Iberian blume approaches, sparking hopes of an 'Indian Summer'.

WXCHARTS' maps show a steady increase in UK temperatures over the weekend and into next week. The coming week could see highs of 18C, with temperatures predicted to climb even further as the month progresses, reports the Mirror.

Despite the east of the UK being expected to be warmer than the west, the charts indicate that the entire country will experience a temperature boost today, with highs of 12C. After a chilly start to October, many will welcome the forecast of warmer weather.

The weather maps predict that East Anglia will enjoy the highest temperatures, around 20C, with surrounding areas just a degree or two cooler. Cities such as Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester can expect temperatures between 16-18C, according to the Express.

Scotland will be slightly cooler overall, with temperatures peaking at 11C. However, Edinburgh's forecast shows a high of 15C, with 17C expected along the border with England.

In Wales, temperatures are anticipated to range between 15 and 17C, while Northern Ireland can expect 13-14C.

Looking ahead, the Met Office's long-range forecast for October 16-25 predicts rain affecting most regions at times during the second half of next week. The heaviest rainfall will initially hit the west or southwest, before shifting to central and eastern areas.

However, it's not all frosty forecasts as "a drier and brighter interlude is probable" with temperatures expected to be "above average and probably feeling warm in the brighter spells".

The phrase 'Indian Summer' refers to an unusually dry, warm period that typically occurs in late autumn. Just when we thought the chance for a warmer autumn had slipped away, temperatures have surprisingly risen.

Met Office records reveal that the UK's highest October and November temperatures were a blistering 29.9C on October 1, 2011, in Gravesend, Kent, and a mild 22.4C on November 1, 2015, in Trawsgoed, Ceredigion.