Brits can enjoy the last of the warm sunshine today before temperatures plunge and a 2,000-mile wide 'Arctic dome' strikes the country.
Forecasters are predicting highs of about 15C in some regions, and it is expected to be the warmest in the south.
While some rain is due to fall early on Tuesday once this clears the country can enjoy balmy weather and warm temperatures.
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 the pleasant climate is expected to radically shift from Wednesday 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 from Wednesday, bringing bitingly cold temperatures until Easter.
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.
UK Five-Day Forecast
Today:
Low cloud and outbreaks of rain and drizzle moving southeastwards, though many southern parts staying dry. Sunnier skies following from the northwest. Mild for many, and feeling warm in the sunshine.
Tonight:
Cloud clearing from southeast England then clear skies for most. Breezy in the east, but light winds in the west where a frost is likely, along with some fog patches.
Wednesday:
Most parts dry with sunny spells; sunniest in the west where it will feel warm. Cloudier in the east, perhaps with a few coastal showers.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Although many areas will remain dry with variable cloud cover, there will in drizzle affecting north and western areas and light showers of rain affecting the southeast at times.
