Britain has already experienced its hottest-ever summer, and weather experts today confirmed that the trend is continuing.

Daytime temperatures topped 18C (64F) at the weekend. The average for October of 13.3C (56F) is 1.6C above the average for this time of year.

Keith Fenwick, from the Met Office, said: “If the temperatures continue like this, it is likely this will be the warmest October on record.

“September and July have already gone down as record-breaking months for temperatures.”

The warm weekend weather was a boost for events like the Cancer Research sponsored walk at Shugborough – but made it hard work for the 800 runners at the Pattigham Bells race. And garden centre owners say the mild weather had stalled sales of winter plants.

Mike Cox, boss of Purity Soft Drinks in Wednesbury, said the company was selling more drinks and saving money on its heating bills.

The mild temperatures will continue this week, although rain is on its way. Temperatures on Wednesday night will be 14C (57F).

Check out our three-day weather forecast – click here