Shropshire was enjoying more sun and hot weather again today – as forecasters predicted record-breaking temperatures could hit other parts of the country.

The hottest September 29 was recorded in York in 1895 when the mercury peaked at 27.8C (82F), and meteorologists predicted the record could be broken today during the unusual mini-heatwave.

In Shropshire the mercury was set to rise as high as 25C (77F) today with many county residents dusting off their barbecues to make the most of the Indian summer, while a record high of 28C (82.4F) was expected to be reached in London.

The weather has helped some businesses with Red Lion Farm in Haughton, between Gnosall and Stafford, selling 30 per cent more ice cream than it did in the height of the summer.

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The family-owned business says it is having to work flat-out to keep up with orders from across the UK since temperatures started rising.

The balmy conditions are set to continue into the weekend, which is likely to see many sun-seekers heading to parks, rivers and coastal areas.

Although those planning to head to the Welsh coast over the weekend could be disappointed as coastal areas could be grey on Saturday.

The unseasonably warm weather is more than 10C (50F) higher than the average temperature for the end of September. Paul Mott, meteorologist for MeteoGroup said: “We are still on for some exceptionally warm weather until Sunday.

“Temperatures today will probably reach 28C (82.4F) over the London area. Central and eastern England could reach up to 27C (80.6F), so it is very warm indeed.

“That is a good 10C (50F) to 11C (51.8F) warmer than what we would expect for this time of year.”

The hottest place in Britain yesterday was St Helier, in Jersey, where the heat soared to 27.3C (81.1F).

By Russell Roberts