UK weather latest: Snow and cold set to continue but freeze to end next week

Weather warnings remain in place

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland, as a mini cold snap brought snow to parts of the UK (PA)

Cold weather is set to continue across the UK this weekend, but a dramatic shift in winds is likely to bring relief to the country early next week.

However, despite warnings to the contrary, the weekend won’t be the coldest of the year so far.

Snow fell across much of the country on Saturday, dusting lower lying areas but without settling in significant amounts, though it built up in higher places.

Despite some warnings, travel disruption was minimal, though some accidents in Kent were reported because of icy conditions. The Cambrian Rally in north west Wales was cancelled because of heavy snow.

Temperatures dipped to 1C – 2C in most places, and a strong wind chill, caused by 15mph gusts in the South East, made it as cold as -5C in some places.

On Saturday night, temperatures will hover just above or below freezing across Britain, according to Met Office meteorologist Emma Salter.

She said: “Sunday will have a cold start and looks like it will be a carbon copy of Saturday.”

Icy roads and snow could still pose a risk to travellers and a Yellow weather warning – meaning ‘be aware’ -- remains in effect on Sunday for parts of the North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Midlands.

A wintery mix of weather conditions mean snow is a possibility, as strong easterly winds continue to blow in showers, which may turn to sleet and snow when they hit the land.

It is unlikely to be any warmer than 5C and the sun will remain hidden.

However, the cold spell will be restricted to the weekend and conditions will return to normal next week.

Monday will be milder as the Scandinavian winds cease.

And by Tuesday, warmer winds from the Mediterranean are expected to bring in temperatures in the double digits.