Temperature plummets to winter low (From News Shopper)

Temperature plummets to winter low

10:16am Saturday 11th February 2012 in News © Press Association and news reporter

Temperature plummets to winter low

BRITAIN has endured its coldest night of the winter so far, according to weather forecasters.

The record-breaking cold snap comes as families setting off on half-term getaways have been warned of "deceptively dangerous" road conditions.

A "yellow" severe weather warning instructing people to "be aware" of ice on roads has been issued by the national weather service across the whole of England and parts of Wales.

A level three cold weather alert is also in place.

Claire Allen, forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "Overnight we have had the coldest temperatures this winter so far.

“Most places in England and eastern areas of Wales dropped to below -4C, with -5.8C at Heathrow and -5.5C in Nottingham.

“Motorists are going to have to be extra cautious in areas where there is still snow remaining as it will be frozen making the roads very icy and slippery."

Ms Allen says the bitter temperatures will continue with London, south-eastern areas and the Midlands struggling to get above freezing.

Most areas should be dry and sunny, but cloud, rain and freezing drizzle could hit western parts of Britain, she added.

Scotland and Northern Ireland escaped the adverse temperatures overnight thanks to a warm front, with readings of between 5C and 10C expected today.

Saturday night is also forecast to be bitterly cold in England with temperatures in London and the Midlands falling to around -6C while milder temperatures are likely on Sunday.