The North East is set to enjoy an Indian summer later this month - with temperatures expected to soar beyond 20C, according to the Met Office. 

High pressure over the Continent is forecast to bring balmy air from the Canaries across the UK on southerly winds.

The Met Office say that the cloudy weather of 16C will pass and temperatures could reach up to 20C on Saturday and Sunday, as sunshine will appear in County Durham and the wider North East.

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But they are set to begin soaring later in the week, rising to 19C by Friday.

And forecasters are predicting a maximum of 21C on Saturday, amid long sunny periods and a gentle breeze.

London will be even warmer, with 25C forecast for Saturday.

Sunday will be almost as nice in the region, with 20C forecast and a bit more sunshine.

Here's the forecast for the rest of the week in the North East:

Tuesday: 16C

Wednesday: 16C

Thursday: 17C

Friday: 19C

Saturday: 21C

Sunday: 20C

And here's the longer-term forecast:

Friday 6 Oct - Sunday 15 Oct

A split in conditions is likely to develop across the UK early in the period. Further rain is expected in north-western areas, which could turn heavy, particularly over higher, westwards-facing ground and strong winds are also possible in these areas. Southern areas, in contrast, are likely to remain much drier with light winds and some clear spells, which could lead to some overnight patches of mist and fog. Temperatures are likely to be above average for many, especially in the south where some unusually warm temperatures for October are possible. These temperatures are likely to trend downward toward the middle of the month, with the northwest-southeast split also slowly becoming less distinct as the weather becomes generally more changeable.

Monday 16 Oct - Monday 30 Oct

There is the potential for a slightly more settled pattern of weather during the second half of October, particularly for north-western regions which have a higher likelihood than normal for some drier spells. However, some more unsettled weather is also possible with south-eastern areas likely see more rainfall than usual for late October. Temperatures in general are expected to remain above average, with some mild nights also likely, though it could feel chilly in any clear and settled overnight conditions, with occasional mist and fog patches and touches of ground frost possible.