Brits will have a “tropical” blast where balmy temperatures could get as high as 14C before more snow lands and icy conditions return.
Unsettled weather has seen the UK hit with Storms Arwen and Barra bringing rain, snow blizzards and freezing temperatures, with thousands left without electricity.
But now sub-tropical air is heading from Spain and the Azores which means that people will be able to shed their winter gear - if only for a few days.
Weather reports say that it could be as warm as 14C which could possibly match temperatures in Rome and Monaco.
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, said after weeks of storms the UK is about to turn balmy.
He told the Sun: “We are about to get a sub-tropical airflow starting on Saturday, and we could see temperatures in the south reaching 14C.
“This is air coming in from Spain and the Azores Islands, and while a cold front will come in after the weekend, the generally mild weather will hold out for about a week.
“It will also be very calm and settled with no storms on the radar, so a big change from what we have seen so far.”
It is a very different outlook to the last few days were heavy rain has led to dozens of flood warnings being put in place, while gales especially from Storm Arwen saw electricity cables blow down and thousands left without power.
The Met Office said Friday will remain cold and windy with some heavy rain, hail and thunder at times.
Saturday will bring some outbreaks of rain and there will be more rain on Sunday as temperatures become mild.
It is predicting highs in the south of about 10C on Saturday, 13C on Sunday and 12C on Monday.
But before people get too comfortable, temperatures are set to plummet from December 20 and continue over the Christmas period.
Low pressure is building over Scandinavia and will bring the icy temperatures.
WXCharts show freezing air sweeping in from the west on December 21 and then the maps show blue and even purple for the east of the country with temperatures possibly getting as low as -10C.
Most weather patterns suggest if the mercury reaches -5C or below then it is cold enough for snow showers.
The Netweather.TV forecast from December 27 to January 2 notes there is “potential for some snowfall” during this period.
It continued: "Confidence is lower for this period but there is a greater chance of colder weathe r heading in from the east at some point during this period as highest pressure transfers further north, most likely towards Scandinavia.
"So there is potential for some snowfalls, but not a certainty, as much depends on the specifics of the wind direction and the extent of cold air masses over the near continent."
Met Office five-day forecast
Friday
Early rain over the far east of the UK soon clearing. Otherwise, cold and windy with a mixture of sunny spells and showers, some heavy with hail and thunder. Some eastern parts will miss the showers and stay dry.
Friday night
Evening showers gradually fading leaving most areas dry, cold and frosty with clear spells. Probably a few fog patches over eastern England. Cloudier with rain in the far west later.
Saturday
Chilly start and bright at first in the east. Cloud and outbreaks of rain already in the far west then spread eastwards, finally reaching the southeast late afternoon.
Sunday to Tuesday
Cloudy with rain at times, heaviest and most persistent in the west. Brighter conditions with showers likely at times in the northwest. Often dry and bright in the southeast. Mild.
