Lancashire cold snap - when will it get warmer and is any snow on the way after this week's ice warning?
Lancashire is set to stay in the grip of cold weather for the rest of the week - but temperatures are expected to edge up slightly by the weekend, according to the Met Office.
It follows Wednesday’s yellow ice warning, which was issued overnight as temperatures dipped below freezing, creating icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.
The North West also remains under an Amber Cold Health Alert from the UK Health Security Agency until Saturday, meaning the prolonged chill is likely to continue affecting health services and vulnerable people.
Will it get warmer?
The Met Office says conditions will remain very cold through Thursday, with lows of around -5C and highs of 5–6C.
Despite sunshine, many areas will wake to another widespread frost.
However, a slight shift arrives from late Friday into the weekend.
While Friday stays cold and bright, cloud will thicken overnight as bands of rain begin moving in from the west.
As the weather turns more unsettled, temperatures will lift a little, making it feel milder than earlier in the week.
Will it snow in Lancashire?
The Met Office says snow is not currently expected in Lancashire.
Although the North West may see some hill snow, any significant accumulations are likely to be restricted to areas above around 300 metres.
A spokesperson earlier this week said any temporary slushy deposits were more likely on grassy surfaces and higher routes, with the only active UK snow warnings currently in place for parts of the North East.
What to expect next
From Wednesday through Sunday, the forecast remains largely settled, cold and mostly dry across Lancashire.
Winds will gradually ease, reducing the wind-chill effect that has made conditions feel even colder.
Frosty nights are expected to continue before the weekend’s slightly milder, wetter spell sets in.