UK's freezing cold snap may start to ease this weekend

Met Office warnings remain in force until Friday lunchtime while Storm Goretti is expected Thursday evening, and forecasters say the cold snap should begin to moderate from this weekend.

The UK is experiencing a very cold spell with widespread sub-zero nights and snow in places. Last night included one of the coldest readings of the season, and a named storm is due before a gradual change. Storm Goretti is forecast to arrive on Thursday evening, bringing further snow and strong winds. Officials have issued weather warnings and some support measures have been activated. Key points: - Met Office warnings for snow, ice and strong winds are in place and are scheduled to remain until Friday lunchtime. - Storm Goretti is expected to arrive on Thursday evening with further snow and strong winds reported. - Temperatures fell as low as −12.5°C at Marham in Norfolk, recorded as one of the coldest nights so far this winter. - The government has triggered cold weather payments for eligible households across 451 postcode areas, with payments applied on multiple days in late December and early January. Summary: The immediate situation includes weather warnings in force and additional snowfall and strong winds expected with Storm Goretti. The Met Office warnings run until Friday lunchtime and forecasters report that the cold snap should begin to moderate from the weekend, though January is expected to see a mix of colder and milder spells.