UK weather: Britain to bask in summer-like temperatures with highs of 18C as remains of Hurricane Melissa sweeps tropical plume up from Europe

The sultry spell is thanks to the remains of Hurricane Melissa sweeping a tropical plume up from the Continent.

Tropical warmth from Melissa’s death throes will, however, be tempered by a dousing of wind and rain.

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: “Temperatures are rising, and many of us will see double figures, and this is because of weather fronts pushing eastwards across the UK driven by ex-Hurricane Melissa, which is no longer a hurricane but an area of low pressure.

“That area is going to stay with us, and it is going to remain fairly unsettled, and parts of southwestern England and southern Wales could see a lot of rainfall and potentially some localised flooding.

“The unsettled but mild theme is looking to continue through a good portion of the week.”

An unsettled week will see western regions most affected by wind and rain, with heavy showers the greatest risk.

Parts of the country already hit by heavy downpours face possible disruption from flash flooding.

On the other side of the country, though, families heading to bonfire parties will be ditching coats for t-shirts.

Temperatures of 18C in the southeast will be almost 10C higher than average for the time of year.

Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services and co-author of ‘Surviving Extreme Weather’, said: “The remains of Melissa are going drag in warm air from Spain, where temperatures are currently around 23C, so it is going to feel very mild for the time of year.

“Parts of the country could see highs of 17C or 18C, but as the week unfolds, temperatures in the mid-teens will become the standard.

“The highest temperatures will be where the sun breaks through, where it could feel quite warm.”

Rainfall in parts may fizzle out barbecue bangers, however, with parts of the country facing a Guy Fawkes washout, he warned.

He said: “There is going to be a risk of some heavy rain through the week, and possibly some gusty winds.

“The rain is likely to be the main issue, though, and the weather is going to stay changeable through the week.”

Animal welfare campaigners urge people to take extra care of pets and wildlife when lighting bonfires and fireworks.

Dogs and cats are often frightened by loud bangs, while hedgehogs and other garden critters perish under burning pyres.

Carrie Stones, RSPCA campaign manager said: “Thousands of animals suffer every year due to fireworks, sometimes with devastating consequences.

"With more than six million households set to let off fireworks this season, animals face a really tough time again.”

Britain’s weather this week will come under the influence from the remains of Hurricane Melissa.

The gigantic storm which ripped through the Caribbean last week will die over the cold waters of the North Atlantic.

Depending on the track of her remains, Melissa could drive stormy weather or a calmer warmer blast.

Because low pressure associated with the storm is forecast to pass north of the UK, towards Iceland, the most likely outcome is a mild, unsettled week ahead.

Government forecasters have insisted that the effect on Britain from ex-Melissa will be incomparable to the devastation across the Caribbean.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: “It is going to be wet, and it is going to be windy, but nothing close to the scale that they have seen in the Caribbean.”