Met Office says temperatures to soar into double figures after bitter cold spell

The UK is set to experience a significant thaw this week, with temperatures expected to rise into double figures following an Arctic blast that dominated the first half of January. The cold snap, which saw temperatures plunge to -18.9 in Scotland on Saturday morning, marking it as the coldest January night in 15 years, is predicted to end according to weather maps.

The Met Office anticipates that the western side of the UK will be the first to feel the warmer conditions today due to southwesterly winds moving in along with a high pressure system over the UK. Northern Ireland could see temperatures of 12C today, while Scotland and northern England could reach 11C and 10C respectively.

This warming trend is expected to continue into Wednesday, with most parts of the country forecast to enjoy temperatures of at least 10C. Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: "[It will be] back to average temperatures generally for the time of year."

However, there are warnings that the milder air could lead to "continued rapid melting of lying snow", potentially causing river levels to rise.

The cold weather alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also ended on Tuesday. The amber alerts, indicating a potential increase in mortality rates, especially among those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions, were extended through to January 14 due to the icy conditions, reports the Mirror.

The remainder of the week is expected to see high pressure dominate the southeast of the UK, leading to settled conditions in many areas. The Met Office's forecast from January 17 to January 26 indicates a mix of cloudy and clear skies, with frost and fog patches likely in the south and east, while the far northwest may experience some rain.

The forecast explains: "A weakening frontal system looks like it will edge east across the UK over the weekend, before high pressure briefly builds back in from the west in its wake. Low pressure then seems likely to increasingly influence the UK weather later in the period, with some rain and windier conditions affecting most if not all parts."

"Temperatures are likely to be generally a little above average, especially in the north, though more frost and fog patches are likely under clearer skies and lighter winds."

As January draws to a close and February begins, the Met Office predicts a shift towards more unsettled and windy weather. The UK can expect weather systems to move in from the Atlantic, resulting in rain and strong winds affecting most areas, with the north and west likely to be the wettest and windiest.

However, there is still a risk of colder spells bringing frost, ice, and snow.