Britain is set for a dramatic shift in weather conditions this weekend, with the Met Office forecasting a significant temperature rise of up to 13C. This change will finally relieve the nation from the recent icy grip that has brought freezing temperatures and snow hazards.
From Freezing to Balmy in Days
The cold snap reached its peak on Thursday, one of the chilliest days of the year, when the mercury plunged to a biting -6.6°C in Benson, Oxfordshire. Similar freezing conditions were recorded across the country, with Sennybridge in mid Wales hitting -6.4°C. Ice concerns persisted, particularly in the Northeast and East of England.
However, the national weather service indicates this pattern will reverse dramatically by Sunday. Temperatures are expected to rocket by as much as 13 degrees Celsius, transforming the frosty landscape. The village of Benson, which endured Thursday's deep freeze, is predicted to experience a comparatively balmy 9°C on Sunday.
A Milder, Atlantic-Driven Pattern Takes Hold
This remarkable turnaround signals a fundamental shift in weather patterns. The bitter Arctic air that has dominated is being replaced by a milder, more unsettled Atlantic-driven system.
The Met Office states on its website: "As we head into the weekend, we expect a shift to milder, more unsettled, Atlantic-driven weather. This will bring cloud, rain and some stronger winds at times, but also a reduction in the wintry hazards we've seen over recent days."
Echoing this forecast, Jo Farrow of NetWeather explained on the forecaster's blog: "After a cold and wintry week, we have a change for the weekend. Rather than this bitter Arctic chill from the north, a low pressure will swirl in from the Atlantic." While it will feel milder, the conditions will also become windier across most regions.
Implications for Travel and Weekend Sports
The sudden warming brings mixed blessings. The threat of snow and ice, which caused travel chaos and incidents like a crash near Middlesbrough, will largely disappear. This is particularly timely for the football fixtures in the Premier League and Championship this weekend, which were at risk of postponement due to frozen or waterlogged pitches. A Championship match at Blackburn Rovers was previously abandoned this season due to a saturated pitch.
However, the new weather system introduces a different set of challenges. Forecasters are monitoring Wales and the Midlands, where saturated ground could lead to localised flooding. The River Severn in Gloucestershire remains high after recent heavy rainfall. While Saturday will be warmer, the East of England and parts of the Southeast are expected to see rain.
As Britain thaws out, the weekend promises a welcome respite from the cold, albeit with typical British compromise: swapping ice warnings for wind and rain.
