MOTHER Nature surprised everyone with a mini-heatwave yesterday, which led to the warmest October 27 ever recorded.

People across the country were leaving their coats at home as temperatures unusually soar up to 21C in certain parts of the country and up to 19C in the North-East.

However, people are advised to keep their winter-woollies at hand, as the heatwave was expected to come and go in under 24 hours.

Forecaster for the PA weather centre, John Hutchinson said: "It was a very nice day with the temperature in the North-East topped around 18C to 19C, which is several degrees above average.

"The highest temperature recorded in the UK was 21C and this was in both north west Scotland and south east England, proving the warm weather was felt everywhere.

"This made it the highest temperature ever recorded for October 27 and the highest temperature recorded for the last five days in the month.

"There have been some hotter days in October, but they have all been at the beginning of the month which means they can not be compared fairly."

At this time of year, temperatures would normally be between 11C and 13C.

The mini-heatwave is believed to have been caused by a warm southerly air flow coming from North Africa. Spain and France are also recording higher temperatures than normal.

However, people should not get too cosy, as the heatwave is already officially over.

Mr Hutchinson said: "It isn't going to feel quite as warm today and we are predicting some light showers. Due to the warm weather, there is the possibility of a rumble of thunder, but this shouldn't lead to storms. If we do get any thunder, it is more likely to affect the west and not the North-East region."