Britain could be about to enjoy a baking hot Indian Summer after forecasters predicted a run of dry, sunny weather with temperatures of up to 25 degrees Celsius before the month of September is out.

Independent weather company British Weather Services has raised the nation’s hopes by predicting an Indian Summer, which occurs when temperatures rise four or five degrees above average.

A British Weather Services spokesman said: “Starting this weekend and lasting for the best part of the following 10 days and likely more, virtually all parts of the UK can expect an extended run of the fine, dry, sunny and warmer seasonal average weather.

“Air temperatures will peak in the high teens, low twenties – with the mercury set to rise even further to 23 – 25 degrees Celsius in parts as we move towards the month’s end.”

The average maximum temperature for September is 16.5 degrees Celsius.

The Met Office has forecast that temperatures for late September are likely to be around average however, with “unsettled” weather expected this week.

A band of rain is expected to push across the UK on Monday, affecting all areas and turning heavy at times, which is predicted to bring “fresher” conditions on Tuesday, though some areas in the south are at risk of localised flooding due to the heavy rainfall, according to the Met Office.

Pressure building in the south is expected to more settled weather by Friday, though the Met Office does not predict temperatures will push past 18 degrees Celsius before the weekend.