Temperatures are predicted to fall after today's sunny intervals as a 2,000-mile wide 'Arctic dome' looks set to strike the country.
The South West will see highs of around 16C today, in stark contrast from the ferocious winds of recent days there will be light breezes felt in some areas and much calmer conditions than were felt earlier this month.
But from today, the pleasant climate is expected to radically shift as some forecasters warn of a surge of bitingly cold weather in some places.
A 2,000 mile-wide 'Arctic dome' of cold air is forecast to blow in from Scandinavia, bringing bitingly cold temperatures until Easter, reports The Mirror.
The south of the country is expected to bear the brunt of the cold weather at first, with -5C nights and 6-11C days feeling as cold as 3C in wind chill.
By Friday the Met Office is warning of snow in the south east.
The Weather Outlook forecaster Brian Gaze said earlier: “It will feel more like winter than spring, with polar air expected in coming weeks.
“Snow could settle, particularly in the South-East from Friday, with -5C lows in the South in the second half of the week.”
A Met Office forecaster said: “Temperatures will potentially turn much colder than average in the South from Thursday, where showers could be wintry.
“Temperatures are also expected to be at or slightly-below average later in March and at the turn of the month.”
One flood warning, meaning immediate action is required, remains in place - for the River Burn in Norfolk.
Meanwhile, 20 less severe flood alerts are in effect elsewhere across England.
Met Office five-day forecast for the South West
Today:
Dry morning with sunny spells over the region. A very thin layer of high cloud will cover the sky but will clear during the afternoon for even brighter conditions. Breezy but feeling mild and perhaps warm in the sunshine. Maximum temperature 16 °C.
Tonight:
Staying dry with clear spells during the evening and overnight. Cloud developing over eastern parts and spreading across the region towards dawn. Light winds and feeling chilly. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
Thursday:
A largely dry day for most of the region. A risk of drizzle over the northern coast and sunny spells for the east. Remaining mild with light winds. Maximum temperature 14 °C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Generally dry for Friday with short lived showers in the east and sunny intervals elsewhere. Remaining dry and cloudy for Saturday and Sunday. Becoming a little cooler.
