THUNDERSTORMS with snow have been reported as people in northern and eastern Scotland and north-east England woke up to a blanket of the white stuff.
Temperatures fell below freezing overnight and snow showers have swept across the country.
“Spring is on hold,” said BBC Weather.
Meanwhile, Northumbria Police have urged commuters to avoid the A68 following reports that lorries are stuck due to snow as the cold weather continues.
The weather forecast from the Met Office for Friday states: “Another chilly day, although feeling less cold in the sunny spells.
“There will be further wintry showers throughout the day, these will be most frequent along the coast, with hill snow and hail possible. A breezy day for many. Maximum temperature 7 °C.
And for tonight: “Further wintry showers affecting coastal regions overnight, although many inland areas will be largely dry, with clear spells and a widespread frost. Risk of icy patches. Winds easing. Minimum temperature -3 °C.”
Read our UK weather blog below for the latest forecasts and updates…
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Explained: Where is the cleanest air in the UK?
The majority of Scotland has good air quality, as well as Northern Ireland.
Wales has moderate air pollution across the country with low pollution in Anglesey.
In the fight against rising emissions, Brighton and Hove are the cities closest to becoming net zero on carbon emissions per capita, according to research by AlldayPA.
According to IQ’s Air’s World Air Quality Report, in 2021 Midlothian, just south of Edinburgh, Scotland had the cleanest air.
English counties of Wiltshire and Berkshire were not far behind but were the only two counties in England to make the top ten list, the rest were in Scotland or Wales.
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Brits braced for freezing weekend
Brits are warned to brace for more freezing weather at the weekend as the weather will stay cold until next week, with a new yellow warning for ice issued for today.
Met Office forecaster Sarah Kent said: “It’s not that unusual to see snow around Easter time.
“But it’s more of a shock to the system because of the unusually high 20C temperatures we were enjoying this time last week.”
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Short weather summary for Saturday
Cold start, though less so in southwest under thicker cloud and showers.
Some wintriness is likely, mainly for high ground of Wales and Southwest before clearing.
Elsewhere, sunshine and scattered showers.
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Cold air until at least Sunday
The mercury will remain below the 12C average for this time of year until at least Sunday.
In more exposed coastal areas the wind chill factor will make it feel more like freezing.
But by Monday the snow will make way for milder conditions – and the arrival of April showers.
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Met Office: Millions will have seen snow today
Met Office forecaster Sarah Kent said millions will see snow today.
“The snow’s going to fall across quite a wide area, mainly along the east coast, taking in Northumberland, the North York Moors and the Pennines,” she said.
“Another band of snow will affect Kent and Essex and the temperatures are going to be low enough for it to settle.”
She added: “It’s not that unusual to see snow around Easter time.
“But it’s more of a shock to the system because of the unusually high 20C temperatures we were enjoying this time last week.”
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Cold Arctic air to be replaced by warmer conditions
The Met Office: “Cold Arctic air will slowly be replaced with warmer Atlantic air over the coming weekend.
“So by next week, temperatures return to near average for many.
“But perhaps not for all, notice colder air will never be too far away from the north.”
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The six ways to ease the misery of a cold
A chilly breeze is upon us and many people have started to experience cold and flu like symptoms.
If you’re unlucky enough to have caught a cold then there are some things you can do that might help ease the discomfort:
- Gargle salt water
- Create a barrier by smearing Vaseline around your nose, which can help when it comes to staving off hayfever
- Use a nasal spray
- Rest
- Stay hydrated
- Stay warm
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Thank you for reading my coverage this morning. Joe Gamp will now be looking after the blog until 10pm tonight.
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Cold air until at least Sunday
The mercury will remain below the 12C average for this time of year until at least Sunday.
In more exposed coastal areas the wind chill factor will make it feel more like freezing.
But by Monday the snow will make way for milder conditions – and the arrival of April showers.
Shoppers walk through light snow in Burnham-on-Crouch, EssexCredit: Stephen Huntley/HVC 
Snow fell heavily on the hills bordering England and WalesCredit: Rex 
An extremely cold Richmond Park this morning after a bitterly cold eveningCredit: Rick Findler / Story Picture Agency
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Brits braced for freezing weekend
Brits are warned to brace for more freezing weather at the weekend as the weather will stay cold until next week, with a new yellow warning for ice issued for Saturday.
The warning, which stretches along the east of the country between the Scottish Borders and Lincolnshire, is in place between midnight and 10am.
Met Office forecaster Sarah Kent said millions will see snow today.
“The snow’s going to fall across quite a wide area, mainly along the east coast, taking in Northumberland, the North York Moors and the Pennines,” she said.
“Another band of snow will affect Kent and Essex and the temperatures are going to be low enough for it to settle.”
She added: “It’s not that unusual to see snow around Easter time.
“But it’s more of a shock to the system because of the unusually high 20C temperatures we were enjoying this time last week.”
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Third of homeowners switched off their heating earlier than usual
New research reveals that more than a third of homeowners switched off their heating earlier than usual this year to save on bills, with the energy price cap increase coming into effect from 1st April.
This has left up to 8 million households braving the cold at home due to increased money worries as temperatures plummet this week, with snow even in some parts of the UK.
The survey of 2,000 UK homeowners was carried out for Gas Safe Register, it also reveals that:
- As well as switching off earlier than usual, nearly a third (31%) will skip booking their annual gas safety check this year, due to the cost-of-living crisis.
- This is despite a majority (77%) being aware that regular servicing can help gas appliances run more efficiently, and in turn save money on household bills.
- When it comes to attitudes and behaviours concerning home maintenance, whilst a majority (78%) agree that taking care of minor household jobs gives them peace of mind, knowing they have been tackled before running the risk of them becoming more serious, only a third (33%) of UK homeowners admit to getting their gas boiler serviced and safety checked at the end of the winter season, once the central heating is turned off.
In response to safety fears, Gas Safe Register has partnered with Clare Nasir, Meteorologist and TV weather presenter for Channel 5 and The Met Office’s Will Lang, to urge homeowners to adopt a ‘Switch Off & Check On’ approach to gas safety – as you would other odd jobs or tasks in your home.
- As well as switching off earlier than usual, nearly a third (31%) will skip booking their annual gas safety check this year, due to the cost-of-living crisis.
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Weather for today & tomorrow with snow and rain likely
Friday and Saturday are likely to reach 7C (44.6F) or 8C (46.4F), increasing to 9C (48.2F) and 10C (50F) on Saturday.
Meteorologist Matty Box said of Friday’s weather: “It will be concentrated and there will be snow showers.
“It will be eastern and northern areas of the UK that are more likely to see any showers of rain, sleet or snow.”
The weather will then improve over the weekend, with some sunny spells.
“Showers will become less frequent, but still with the chance of some wintry showers in the east coast and the North Sea coast in particular through Saturday.
“There should be a fair amount of sunshine as well.”
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Taking a dip in the cold
Swimmers have brave the freezing temperatures this morning at Brighton’s West Pier.
Despite the sun, it was a cold morning for many but this didn’t stop some from taking a dip in the sea.
It feels like ages ago when temperatures approached 20C (68F), as much of the country now feels as if it has been thrown back into winter.
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Northumbria Police issue warnings for commuters
Meanwhile, Northumbria Police have urged commuters to avoid the A68 following reports that lorries are stuck due to snow as the cold weather continues.
The weather forecast from the Met Office for Friday states: “Another chilly day, although feeling less cold in the sunny spells.
“There will be further wintry showers throughout the day, these will be most frequent along the coast, with hill snow and hail possible. A breezy day for many. Maximum temperature 7 °C.
And for tonight: “Further wintry showers affecting coastal regions overnight, although many inland areas will be largely dry, with clear spells and a widespread frost. Risk of icy patches. Winds easing. Minimum temperature -3 °C.”
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UK weather outlook for Sunday and Monday
Sunny spells on Sunday however thick cloud cover will build bringing a chance of a few showers. Outbreaks of rain will spread into northern Scotland later.
It will be a dull and damp day on Monday with thick cloud cover and outbreaks of rain and drizzle which will be heavy and persistent at times.
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Tomorrow’s forecast (Saturday)
Early patches of mist and fog will clear. Outbreaks of rain and hill snow will clear southwards across Northern Ireland and south-west England.
It will then be mainly dry with spells of sunshine and variable amounts of cloud cover.
There is also a chance of showers developing which may be wintry.
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Tonight’s weather
Daytime showers will ease during the evening although outbreaks of rain and hill snow will continue across Northern Ireland and northern England.
Overnight will then be mainly dry with clear spells and patches of mist forming.
Rain and hill snow across Northern Ireland and western Britain.
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Hello, Milica Cosic logging on. I’ll be bringing you the latest news and updates on the UK weather.
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Temperature drop poses serious threat to nation’s gardeners
The drop in temperatures is a risk for some of the nation’s gardeners.
The Royal Horticultural Society’s Guy Barter said: “Colder weather will slow plant growth and inhibit plums and pears pollination as insects fly less in cold dull weather.
“Limited rain will help new sowings of peas and carrots for example and newly planted lettuces and other plants but should not greatly delay sowing and planting once conditions improve.
“Tender plants, petunias and tomatoes for example, won’t be put outside for another month at least but lower light affects greenhouses and will slow their growth.”
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South & west of the UK to see clear and sunny spells for rest of the week
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said, “As cold air continues to be drawn down from the north there is the potential for wintry showers to affect almost any area of the UK.
“Although there’s unlikely to be widespread accumulations of snow there is a risk of some disruption in eastern and southeastern areas.
“The best of any clear and sunny spells through the rest of this week are likely to be in the south and west of the UK, but it will definitely feel colder than it has over the last week or so.”
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Weather outlook for Saturday to Monday
The Met Office has given a short summary of the weather for the weekend and Monday.
It reads: “Cold, with wintry showers Saturday; more persistent rain or showers for parts of the west for a time.
“Less cold Sunday and Monday, though often cloudier with spells of rain.”
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April now ODDS-ON to be wettest on record
Next month could go down as the wettest April on record, according to Ladbrokes.
Having been a 5/4 shot earlier this week, the bookies now make it 10/11 for next month to play host to the wettest April EVER.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “There’s every chance next month goes down as a record-breaking wet one with temperatures set to plunge and rain ready to batter Britain.”
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UK weather outlook for Saturday and Sunday
Saturday will be bright with spells of sunshine and a chance of showers or spells of rain which may be wintry in nature bringing hail, sleet and snow.
There will be bright spells on Sunday however variable amounts of cloud will build bringing a chance of showers and spells of rain across Scotland.
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Today’s forecast
Any early mist will clear to leave it mostly dry with spells of sunshine during the day however there is a chance of showers and some of these will be wintry in nature.
Thick cloud will build across Scotland and Northern Ireland bringing outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow. Breezy in the south-east.
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Temperatures map for tomorrow
For Friday, weather mapper WXCharts shows that biting temperatures will bring up to eight centimetres of snow for areas of the UK.
Temperatures in Scotland for Thursday are as low as -6C and are set to further drop by Friday morning to -7C in some areas.
North Wales can expect to feel the bite as temperatures on Thursday morning reach -5C while the rest of the UK ranges between -3C and 0C.
Temperatures during the day for England and Wales will reach highs of 5C while the majority of Scotland will peak around 2 or 3C.
