TEMPERATURES are expected to climb this week after the mercury plummeted to -3C.
The weather has been mostly dry for much of the UK, with forecasters suggesting Brits could be basking in sunshine in the coming days.
The mercury is expected to climb on Saturday – but not before downpours hit in the north.
The Met Office said temperatures dipped to -3.7C in Kinbrace, in the Scottish Highlands yesterday.
Today is likely to be mostly dry and sunny – with showers expected on the east coast, and the odd shower in the south west.
Forecasters warned it will likely be windy around the eastern coast, and will “feel quite cold”.
The Met Office said of tonight: “A largely dry evening with clear spells and light winds allowing temperatures to readily fall away with frost forming, especially in rural spots.
“Showers arriving in northeast Scotland overnight.”
The rain is set to start falling heavily from tomorrow, forecasters said.
They said: “A cold start and often bright start to the day for many. Sunny spells with a few showers, which could be heavy at times, especially in the east.”
However, from Saturday, temperatures are expected to climb again.
The Met Office said: “Gradually becoming more unsettled towards the weekend with showers or longer spells of rain at times.
“Often cloudy and feeling chilly in brisk winds. Temperatures recovering a little on Saturday.”
Looking into next week, forecasters said: “An uncertain start to the period though likely unsettled as a frontal system continues to push north across the UK, coupled with strong winds and possible coastal gales, this likely followed by a showery day with potential thunderstorms on Sunday and again on Monday.
“Beyond this, low pressure patterns continue to dominate with wet weather perhaps more likely to develop in parts of the south and east, though all parts are may see some rain at times.
“Winds further into the period mostly light to moderate. Temperatures will likely trend near or slightly above average, though some cooler interludes remain possible.
“Into early May, something of a north-south split looks possible, with relatively drier conditions further to the north and the greatest chance of rain further to the south.”
Today:
A dry day with decent sunny spells with the best of the sunshine in the west. Showers down the east coast and the odd shower for southwest England. Windy around eastern coasts where it will feel quite cold.
Tonight:
A largely dry evening with clear spells and light winds allowing temperatures to readily fall away with frost forming, especially in rural spots. Showers arriving in northeast Scotland overnight.
Thursday:
A cold start and often bright start to the day for many. Sunny spells with a few showers, which could be heavy at times, especially in the east.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Gradually becoming more unsettled towards the weekend with showers or longer spells of rain at times. Often cloudy and feeling chilly in brisk winds. Temperatures recovering a little on Saturday.
