Temperatures plunged to below minus 21C overnight, the lowest in the UK in more than a decade, following an 'extreme freeze'.
The mercury dropped to minus 21.4C in Braemar, Aberdeenshire.
That's the coldest temperature recorded in the UK since December 2, 2010, when it dropped to minus 21.3C in Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands.
The Met Office said the last time a temperature below minus 20C was recorded in the UK was December 23, 2010.
In Manchester temperatures fell to minus 5C in the early hours of Thursday.
Despite the overnight freeze rest of Thursday could become 'quite pleasant outside with the sunshine, although still bitterly cold' in western areas, according to Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir.
Highs of 2C are forecast in Greater Manchester this afternoon - but tonight looks set to be even colder, with temperatures predicted to drop to minus 6C in some parts of the region
A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued in Greater Manchester on Saturday.
It is in force from midnight for 24 hours into the early hours of Sunday, with forecasters warning of potential disruption to travel
It said: "Snow is likely to spread east during Saturday with some accumulations in places and icy stretches. Potential for disruption to travel.
"Some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, rail and bus services. Small chance of more prolonged delays with stranded vehicles and cancelled rail and air travel.
"There is a slight chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected."
And there's a 'small chance that untreated pavements and cycle paths become impassable'.
But Sunday should see the end of the cold snap, with temperatures rising to 5C - and the early part of next week will be considerably warmer with highs of 10C or 11C and a rapid thaw of any remaining snow or ice.
