Summer’s surprise return has set a new record for the warmest October 16 on record – and the dry, bright conditions are set to continue for most of the week.

The temperature at De Bilt was measured at 21.5C at 12.40pm, beating the old record of 21.2C. Forecasters say the south of the country could exceed the 25-degree mark, which has only happened twice before in the second half of October.

With schools in the middle and southern regions on holiday this week, many families have headed to the beach to enjoy some autumn sunshine. However, lifeguards warned that the sea temperature is low for the time of year after a wet, cold September.

Temperatures are expected to revert to a more seasonal 17C to 20C on Tuesday, but the fine dry conditions will continue until Thursday, with rain arriving just in time for the weekend.

In 1921 Maastricht recorded a temperature of 27.2C on October 18. The meterological office KNMI said that while that figure was unlikely to be surpassed, the 25.2C recorded in the city on October 27 1937 was within reach.