Britain is hit with final blast of SNOW in the north as mercury plunges to -4C today ahead of chilly reopening of beer gardens and high streets tomorrow - before 'mini heatwave' sweeps in next week
- UK hit was last blast of wintry weather as Met Office issue snow and ice warnings in Manchester and Yorkshire
- Southern England will see sunny spells although temperatures in London barely reaching double figures
- Conditions will remain cold with some sunshine into tomorrow as pubs and shops are allowed to reopen
- Temperatures are then set to soar back up to 16C by Thursday into a mini-heatwave as Britons venture back out onto high streets
Britain is being hit with a last blast of wintry weather today - but the skies will clear in time for Britons to enjoy a pint outside when pubs and restaurants reopen tomorrow.
The Met Office had snow and ice warnings in place for parts of Manchester and Yorkshire this morning with up to 5cm of snow was possible on high ground as temperature dropped below zero.
The cold spell, coming in from the North Sea, will loosen its grip tomorrow although temperatures are set to remain close to 0C in London and at a bone-chilling -4C in Edinburgh. The freak weather has caused chaos in the North West with a number of crashes reported, including one car that skidded off the motorway in Chorley.
In Lancashire, road police urged people to avoid the A56 after it was partially closed 'due to heavy snow and numerous stranded vehicles' on the carriageway.
But the light snowfall on the North East coast did not deter runners and dog walkers who were seen out and about at Whitley Bay and Seaton Sluice.
There are no weather warnings in place for Monday, which will be 'a cold day with bright weather for most', with average UK temperatures of between 5C and 10C.
The chilly forecast could stall the reopening of Britain's pub gardens with revellers set to shiver on benches as restrictions limit boozers to outdoor areas.
Britain is being hit with a last blast of wintry weather today - but the skies will clear in time for Britons to enjoy a pint outside when pubs and restaurants reopen tomorrow. Pictured: Runners out today in Whitley Bay on the North East coast
Parts of Greater Manchester and Yorkshire were given snow and ice warnings by the Met Office overnight
The chilly forecast could stall the reopening of Britain's pub gardens with revellers set to shiver on benches as restrictions limit boozers to outdoor areas. Pictured: Queens Head in Cullercoats, on the North East coast
The Met Office had snow and ice warnings in place for parts of Manchester and Yorkshire this morning, with police forced to close one dual carriageway due to the harsh conditions
Coverings of the white stuff can be seen in the Peak District areas of Derbyshire this morning, just two weeks after people put their clocks forward to mark the start of the British summer time
Forecasters had predicted up to 5cm of snowfall in places, although said that those expecting a white weekend may instead recieve sleet or even haleHowever, forecasters are hopeful of a dramatic improvement through the week as temperature are set to soar up to 16C by Thursday in a mini-heatwave that will last through the weekend.
Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: 'By the time we get to Monday, April 12, it's certainly looking fine, dry and cold in the south.
'The further north you go, the colder it is and there's a risk of showery rain for the west side of Scotland and for Cumbria.
'There's a chance that some of that rain could fall as snow in the high ground in Scotland.
'There's also a chance of frost on Monday and Tuesday morning, following cold nights, with most places likely to see temperatures just touching above freezing.'
On Tuesday there will be further showers across Scotland. Elsewhere will be mostly dry with sunny spells across much of England and Wales, however Northern Ireland will be mostly cloudy.
Lancashire Road Police warned people that the A56 was partially closed 'due to heavy snow and numerous stranded vehicles'
The quick blast of snow is hoped to be the last of the winter weather before Britain climbs back into double figures by the middle of the week. Pictured: The A56 at Haslingden Bypass near Manchester earlier today
A man walks a dog in a light dusting of overnight snow at Seaton Sluice on the North East coast this morning
The Met Office tweeted this morning: 'A cold and frosty start for many with sunshine and a few wintry showers'
Heavy snow has hit parts of the Peak District in Derbyshire overnight - with some areas of the county looking like a winter wonderland in mid-April
A couple take an early morning walk in a light dusting of overnight snow in front of the former Spanish City concert hall at Whitley Bay on the North East coast
Forecasters are hopeful of a dramatic improvement through the week as temperature are set to soar up to 16C by Thursday in a mini-heatwave that will last through the weekend. Pictured: Looking out over Chinley in the Peak District
Pubs and restaurants have invested heavily in outdoor spaces to make reopening on April 12 profitable. Pictured: A newly converted outdoor space at The Alma Inn near Halifax, West Yorkshire
Ahead of Monday's big reopening, pubgoers have been advised to run up tabs so they can avoid multiple trips indoors to pay for food and drink. Pictured: Lesleigh Mason prepares tables at The Terrace Cafe and Bar in Plymouth, Devon
Staff at the Prospect Inn On Exeter quayside get ready for the end of lockdown
Hundreds of people were seen making their way down the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park this morning, with many going up to the castle's gates to lay flowers and pay respects to the Duke of Edinburgh
The government and police forces across the country have asked people not to congregate outside royal palaces following the announcement of Philip's death, but many have been seen making the trip to leave floral tributes
It will then be mostly cloudy but dry on Wednesday with spells of rain across Scotland and Northern Ireland which may be heavy.
Ahead of the great reopening, several councils across the country, including Westminster and Newcastle, have shut off roads and allocated pavement space to help restaurants and cafes accommodate demand with extra seating.
Beer gardens are expected to be at full capacity, with major pub chains including Fuller's and Mitchells & Butlers saying they have seen 'significant interest' in regulars returning.
Pubgoers have been advised to run up tabs so they can avoid multiple trips indoors to pay for food and drink.
Official advice to businesses says the tab system will 'ensure that customers do not need to make multiple indoor payments during their time at the venue'.
The Department for Business said reports and rumours on social media there would be a ban on taking payment indoors, potentially forcing people to pay with cash outside, were incorrect.
There are no weather warnings in place for Monday, which will be 'a cold day with bright weather for most', with average UK temperatures of between 5C and 10C
Pictured: Daffodils covered in a light dusting of overnight snow at Seaton Sluice on the North East coast
Forecasters had warned that rain, sleet and wet snow were likely in northern parts of the country, with snow settling in a band stretching from Manchester to East Yorkshire
Daybreak brought amazing skies with dappled clouds over the countryside in Sherfield on Loddon, Berkshire today
icture postcard scenes as an isolated cottage stands among the snow covered fields in Blanchland, Northumberland, this morning following overnight snow
A spokesman said: 'If payment is not possible outdoors, payment can be taken indoors as a last resort. This is to ensure we limit the use of indoor space and protect people by stopping the spread of the disease.'
Indoor dining and drinking will remain forbidden until May 17. Monday also marks a return for indoor leisure, including gyms and swimming pools, for the first time in more than three months.
And those who want to get away from it all altogether will be allowed to travel domestically with their households on a 'staycation'.
Last week holiday home rental company Cottages.com said that two-thirds of its properties in coastal locations or with hot tubs have been booked for the week beginning April 12.
Theme parks also reopen on Monday. The number of guests allowed at weddings will increase to 15, and funerals will be allowed to take place with up to 30 people.
Care home residents will be allowed two visitors, driving tests will resume and non-essential journeys between England and Wales will also be allowed again.
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