Brits are set for ice and dense fog in parts of the country this morning as the Arctic blast continues with temperatures dropping to -6C.
A rare amber weather warning for cold weather has been extended for a fourth time by the UK Health Security Agency and so the level 3 alert will continue until Saturday.
Thermometers dipped as low as -10.4C in parts of the Scottish Highlands in the last 10 days, weather experts have said, in a bitterly cold spell.
And the UKHSA has urged Brits to look out for vulnerable and elderly neighbours over the next two days as concerns rise for those still too afraid or unable to put on their heating due to soaring energy bills.
But while the mercury won’t drop as low as the coldest nights in the past weeks, it is expected to be -6C in Northern Ireland and much of the country will have sub-zero temperatures.
Maps from WXCharts also show that there could be snow flurries in western Scotland.
“Where we are starting Friday morning with clear skies, a cold start across Scotland and Northern Ireland, a touch of frost, some patchy fog which could also affect parts of England and Wales," said BBC weather forecast Ben Rich, who predicted temperatures dropping to -4C in Scotland.
He added: "Further south and east a little more in the way of cloud and one or two morning showers many of which will fade by the afternoon."
Met Office forecaster Aiden McGivern said that there could also be a frost in the south of England.
He said: "Potential for a ground frost in the south because the ground is so cold at the moment although the air temperature will probably just about stay above freezing.
"Scotland, Northern Ireland, parts of west England and Wales more prone to clear skies and a frost especially for Scotland and Northern Ireland -1C or -2C and as low as -6C in the coldest spots of Northern Ireland where there will also be some dense fog around."
During the day there is likely to be a mix of sunshine and showers with temperatures rising to a seasonal average of around 6C to 8C.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
Early fog across Northern Ireland and some other western areas, then some sunnier breaks for many, especially in the west and into this afternoon. Generally fairly cloudy; some early light showers across parts of England, while rain reaches northwest Scotland.
Tonight:
Clearer skies and light winds across southern areas leads to sharp frost and areas of fog, possibly dense. Cloudier and less cold further north, weakening band of rain edging southwards.
Saturday:
Cloud and patchy light rain edging south across central UK, followed by clearer intervals and scattered showers further north. In the south, any fog clearing slowly to give some sunshine.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Often cloudy though largely dry across southern and eastern areas. More unsettled in the northwest with showers or longer spells of rain. Very windy at times for northern Scotland.
