Warming news... big freeze set to end by weekend
FREEZING Britain will finally win a respite from the bitter cold this weekend, with milder conditions on the way.
Temperatures are set to rise over the next few days, while the fog that has blighted much of the country is also on the way out.
But first Britain must endure another bitterly cold day today, with temperatures expected to plunge to -4C (24.8F) tonight.
Freezing winds from the east will also bring the risk of sleet or snow over high ground.
The cold spell has been driven by high pressure close to Britain, allowing freezing easterly winds to blow in from the continent.
Chaos
This will start to break down over the next few days, allowing milder conditions to come in from the west, experts say.
Southern regions will bear the brunt of the cold today as thermometers struggle to get much above 4C.
Scotland and the north will be milder, with the mercury hovering between 6C and 9C thanks to westerly breezes.
Temperatures will sink to -4C in the south tonight, with lows of -2C elsewhere.
The Met Office said the weather will become milder the weekend.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said Britain will also see the back of the fog that has caused travel chaos this week.
He said: “The fog situation is easing and we are not expecting it to be much of an issue.
“There is a transition to a more Atlantic flow into the start of next week, making things a bit more unsettled.
“On Thursday, colder air will come in from Europe, where it is very cold, and there is the chance of some freezing drizzle or snow by the end of the day.
“There are signs temperatures will start to lift on Friday and through the weekend.”
Temperatures tomorrow will rise to between 5C and 8C around Britain, with overnight lows staying above freezing in most parts.
WeatherOnline forecaster Simon Keeling said milder conditions will bring the risk of rain over the weekend.
He added: “We face an uncertain picture into the beginning of next week. Current thoughts are that it will steadily become more unsettled as south-west winds develop. It should become milder too.” tomorrow and over