Brits are facing are facing an “unusual” Arctic blast where temperatures have dipped to nearly -3C, said the Met Office.
Many people have woken to a frosty start to the day due to Arctic air moving southwards that has come as a shock to the system in mid-September.The coldest spot in the UK has been recorded as Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, where the mercury dropped to -2.7C and there was frost across the UK.
But while the cooler conditions will continue into the start of the weekend, it is then expected to warm up as a high pressure system takes control.
Met Office weather forecaster Stephen Dixon said: “Last night’s overnight temperatures got down to -2.7C at Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, while all UK nations reported an air frost. While this is unusual for the time of year, it’s not remarkable and doesn’t trouble any records.
“The reason behind the current cooler than average temperatures for much of the UK is a cool pool of air from the north which has shifted temperatures downwards, even with some clear skies for many.
“While the weekend will start chilly for many, albeit with some bright skies in much of England, there’s a return to more average daytime temperatures in the coming days as the UK loses a northerly airflow and high pressure begins to establish itself for much of the country, especially in the south.”
The high pressure system is expected to move in from the south west and gradually push out the low pressure systems although there could be some occasional showers. And the Met Office has said there will be a very different feel as temperatures could reach the low 20Cs.
Mr Dixon continued: “While showers remain possible in the northwest and in Northern Ireland at times over the weekend, it’ll be a dry and fine weekend for many, with high pressure in charge and plenty of sunshine for those in England and Wales especially. Temperatures next week could return to the low 20s Celsius for many.
“That high pressure is likely to continue to influence the UK weather through next week, with plenty of dry and fine weather around, with some sporadic showers possibly reaching the far northwest of the UK.”
The outlook is for the high-pressure system to continue next week, with more warm weather expected. The Met Office forecast also states from next Tuesday to September 26: "Cloud and outbreaks of rain are expected to affect some northern areas for a time on Tuesday, with dry and sunny conditions further south. Through the rest of next week high pressure will become more dominant, with dry and often sunny conditions spreading across the majority of the UK.
"Winds could be fairly strong at times in the south, with some overnight mist and fog in parts of the north. Temperatures during the day will likely be above average in many areas, although some cold nights are possible in places. A similar pattern will probably persist through the following week, although by late September there is a chance that more unsettled conditions may begin to develop."