While rain and icy weather is set to batter the country again today there is light at the end of the tunnel as forecasters predict a mini-heatwave on Sunday.
On the back of torrential weather and icy cold London and parts of the south will bask in temperatures of 20 C as many look ahead to sunnier climates this weekend.
But before the warmer weather Thursday promises to be yet another cold and wet washout with many waking up to sub-zero temperatures once again.
Speaking of Thursday's weather Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said it will be a 'wintry start to the day' this morning with sleet and snow in Scotland.
Elsewhere she said there would be pockets of rain with sunny spells in many UK regions.
She said: "A mostly dry start for much of England where we will see some sunshine but it will be chilly.
"The temperatures will yet again struggle, it's going to be a chilly day."
It comes after widespread rain, hailstones and even lightning were seen across the country on Wednesday.
Looking ahead to the coming days Alex Burkill, a Met Office forecaster, said: "For the rest of the week, rainfall will be rather hefty in some places, with as much as 5-10mm falling in just an hour in the worst-affected spots.
"A significant amount of hail could potentially cause some disruption to roads and public transport."
He said heavy downpours will then lash the country on Saturday.
He added: "Most areas will be affected by heavy and persistent rain and strong winds over the weekend.
"Sunday should be drier for most, with some showers in places, but in the south-east of England, temperatures could climb into the low twenties by the afternoon.
"People should make the most of any dry or sunny spots, as it is unlikely to last and the rest of May will be unsettled and changeable for everyone."
On Sunday the capital is forecast to reach peak sunshine conditions with highs in the mid-20s, the Met Office says.
UK Weather Forecast
Today:
Rain and hill snow for north Scotland sinking south and turning more showery: possible heavy but some sunny intervals. Further south, sunny spells and scattered showers. Feeling chilly.
Tonight:
Further showers and more persistent cloud in parts of central Britain, wintry on hills. Showers tending to become confined to coasts elsewhere with clear periods developing giving frost in places.
Friday:
After a chilly start, a mixture of sunshine and showers. These locally heavy with a risk of hail and thunder in the northeast, where they maybe wintry over high ground.
