The hot dry summer and unusually warm October have affected this year’s show of autumn colour – and could be a sign of things to come, experts have said.

The temperatures have hit 20C in parts of Dorset this week, with no need for winter coats and scarves.

But while the Met Office say the temperatures are “unusual but not exceptional”, Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said: “It’s perhaps slightly more unusual as well in that it has been a prolonged weather pattern.

Read more: Thunderstorms forecast for Sunday as heavy showers set to hit Dorset

“The weather pattern that’s bringing us this flow of warm air has been quite stubborn and persistent.

“And we’ve been in this pattern for a number of days. It’s led some people to suggest that it’s an Indian summer, but we’re not agreeing with that.

“Traditionally an Indian summer would be where you get sunshine and still dry conditions, and obviously we’ve had quite a lot of wind.

“It’s only the temperatures that are warmer than average.”

This week will be slightly cooler in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. Monday will be mainly dry in the daytime, with temperatures around 16C.

There will be heavy showers later that evening.

Tuesday will start off dry, before predicted showers and sunny spells at midday and 3pm. Showers will continue through the evening.

Wednesday will remain mainly dry, with temperatures around 14C, while Thursday will see sunny spells although it will feel cooler at around 13C.

Friday will be much the same - good news for firework display organisers.