UK weather: Met Office warns of bitter -3C chill before forecaster says country faces 'mini-heatwave'

Temperatures will crash to -3C this week before warmer weather finally returns - for some - this weekend.

The Met Office said the mercury will plunge to freezing overnight and mornings will be frosty for many with temperatures struggling to recover.

It will be coldest today and tomorrow across northern England and Scotland, with snow expected on higher ground. But the weekend will see a huge contrast as there will be north-south divide in the weather - with northern areas enjoying the warmth.

The cold Arctic air moves away and northern areas, including West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Tyne and Wear, will experience temperatures one or two degrees above the average for late April. Ellie Glaisyer, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said intially this week "there will be some frost in places". She added: "The reason for (the low temperatures) is that we’ve got an area of high pressure out towards the west of the UK and that gives us a northerly wind across the UK.

"So it’s those northerly winds that are bringing us to slightly below-average temperatures, particularly across eastern parts of the UK, as the air is coming from towards the Arctic." While it will be warm in the north of England on the weekend akin to conditions described by Brits as a "mini-heatwave" at the start of the month, there is a risk of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms in southern areas of the UK.

Conversely, weather maps show the pleasant conditions on the weekend are likely to be enjoyed across Yorkshire, Northeast England and some parts of eastern Scotland. These are most likely across South Wales and Southwest England, where a fresh area of low pressure moves in from the Atlantic. It will cause unsettled weather and cloudy skies to accompany the warmer conditions as the week progresses.

The warmest of the weather on Tuesday was experienced in south Wales - where the mercury exceeded 15C at Mumbles Head. Temperatures dipped below freezing across Scottish Highlands on Tuesday, but Ms Glaisyer said the weather conditions were “nothing exceptional, just a little below average for the time of year”.

Met Office weather outlook Friday:

Another chilly start. Showers continuing in the north and east, with some sleet and snow over the hills. Rain arriving in the southwest later. Feeling chilly despite the light winds.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Gradually becoming more unsettled over the weekend with showers, some heavy and possibly thundery at times. Often cloudy and feeling chilly in brisk winds. Temperatures recovering a little from Sunday.