Milder weather is on the way - but not for long

The sun begins to set over a bitterly cold Oldham Edge at 3.15pm today (Thursday)

Thankfully the Arctic temperatures are set to rise a little for freezing Oldhamers during the course of the weekend, but the respite might not last for long.

Temperatures have touched as low as -20°C in Scotland this week, just outside Carrbridge, and didn’t get above -12°C in some spots.

More locally in North West England, according to Oldham weather expert Jon Baylis, they recorded a low of -10.5°C in Longridge, Preston, on one of the many unofficial but reliable weather stations on the network that he monitors.

Today (Thursday) saw another very cold start with temperatures locally down to -7°C once again.

It has been a stunning day, with blue skies. Make the most of it, with change ahead, though again there will be a sharp frost overnight.

Tomorrow (Friday) will see a frosty start with some clear skies, but it is expected to become cloudier and even misty as the day goes on.

It will fell very cold, especially in the slight breeze later on.

There's a chance of a sleet or snow shower.

It won't be as cold overnight, thankfully.

Over the weekend, the baltic spell ends, but not without some snow.

On Saturday it will be generally cloudy and feeling bitter with a strengthening southerly wind.

A few wintry showers are possible, especially to the west, but it will be slightly less cold on the thermometer.

Make sure you stay wrapped up again!

You can follow @ChadWeather on Twitter for the latest forecasts and warnings from Jon.

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