We have seen large snowfall amounts in many places across the country  over the last few days with strong winds causing blizzard conditions and drifting snow resulting in some large snow depths. Drumalbin in Lanarkshire and St Athan in South Glamorgan have recorded snow depths of 50cms, some of which may be in drifts.  A new March temperature record for the lowest maximum was set at Tredegar in Wales, where the temperature did not get above -4.7 °C all day on March 1st, beating the previous record of -4.6 °C set in 2001 at Cassley in Sutherland.

The weather is expected to become less cold gradually from the south over the next few days. This process has already started in the southwest where the snow has turned to rain and temperatures are now a few degrees above freezing giving a slow thaw.

Scotland will remain under the influence of the cold easterly airflow with further outbreaks of snow possible at times, although this is expected to be lighter than recent days. Further south across Northern England and Northern Ireland any snow will become confined to higher ground.

There are still low and medium impact yellow warnings in place for snow and ice across large parts of the UK and these will be updated over the coming days as needed.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Dan Suri, said; "After the severe cold weather and snow we’ve had this week the good news is that temperatures will slowly increase from the south, generally up to around 4 or 5 °C quite widely by the end of the weekend and we could even see up to 9 to 10 °C  in southern areas. It will remain coldest in north as well as the east of the UK and over the deepest snow cover.

"As we head into next week the weather will return to something more typical for the time of year, with any snow showers gradually becoming confined to high ground in northeastern Scotland and the Northern Isles. For most of us southwesterly winds will return and we can expect rain at times.”

Sarah Cook, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency said: “Today and for the remainder of the weekend, minor coastal flooding impacts are possible on some coasts of England and Wales. This is due to a combination of strong winds, waves and high astronomical tides.

“There is the possibility of some minor surface water flooding in parts of the south and west of England and Wales through the weekend due to a combination of rainfall and snow melt. We don’t expect a rapid thaw, so anticipate rivers and streams will be able to absorb the extra water without increasing the risk of river flooding.

“We will be keeping a close eye on melting snow with the Met Office as the conditions become slightly warmer next week. We will issue flood alerts and warnings as needed.

“Our flood alerts and warnings are updated every 15 minutes as needed so please check www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk or call 0345 988 1188 for the latest advice.”

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