Temperatures plunged to -15.2C in areas of the UK on Friday night as heavy snow brought treacherous conditions, but forecasters say there will be a respite from the cold weather.
The Met Office had yellow warnings for snow and ice in place covering large swathes of the UK after Storm Larisa battered parts of the country with gales and blizzards.
The temperature of -15.2C was recorded at Altnaharra in northern Scotland, while the highest temperature of 5C on Friday night was recorded in Swanage, Dorset.
The Met Office has forecast cloud and rain spreading north-east on Saturday, turning to snow over high ground.
Temperatures are expected to be cold but becoming much milder for the west and south-west.
The chief forecaster for the Met Office, Jason Kelly, said: “The worst of the snowfall in England is over for now, but further weather warnings will be in force to cover the further hazards brought by frost and ice.”
Northernmost parts of Scotland are likely to have further snow.
Kelly said warmer air had come from the south-west in the early hours of Saturday and would extend over most parts of the UK during Sunday, bringing with it the chance of snowfall and heavy rainfall.
Further yellow warnings for snow and ice are in place from 6pm on Saturday to 6am on Sunday for parts of Scotland and northern England, meaning there could be travel disruption, slippery conditions and a small chance of power cuts.
A return to the cold weather is forecast for Monday and Tuesday.
Cold air is expected to feed into the north of the UK on Monday and is likely to extend southwards “with much of the UK likely to be under the influence of colder conditions overnight into Tuesday”, the Met Office said.
Temperatures on Tuesday are not likely to drop as low as they did this week. Brighter periods are forecast for most parts, with showers expected and snow on higher ground.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a level 3 cold weather alert for the whole of England, which is expected to remain in place until 9am on Monday.
Advice from the UKHSA includes checking in on people more vulnerable to the cold weather. It adds that those with a pre-existing medical condition or over the age of 65 should try to heat their home to at least 18C if possible.
