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UK to freeze until end of April, forecasters say UK to freeze until end of April, forecasters say
(8 days later)
The big freeze gripping the UK could last until almost the end of April, weather forecasters have predicted.The big freeze gripping the UK could last until almost the end of April, weather forecasters have predicted.
Temperatures are unlikely to recover to normal averages for the time of year until the latter part of next month, the Met Office suggested through its 30-day forecast.Temperatures are unlikely to recover to normal averages for the time of year until the latter part of next month, the Met Office suggested through its 30-day forecast.
Sub-zero temperatures look likely to bring misery to thousands of people for the rest of the week and throughout Easter weekend as the dangerous wintry weather shows no immediate signs of abating.Sub-zero temperatures look likely to bring misery to thousands of people for the rest of the week and throughout Easter weekend as the dangerous wintry weather shows no immediate signs of abating.
Thousands of people in western Scotland face a sixth day without power on Wednesday after being cut off last week, and many transport routes across the UK remain impassable because of deep snow drifts.Thousands of people in western Scotland face a sixth day without power on Wednesday after being cut off last week, and many transport routes across the UK remain impassable because of deep snow drifts.
More than 3,000 people in Argyll in Scotland and the Isle of Arran were without power after ice and snow damaged pylons.More than 3,000 people in Argyll in Scotland and the Isle of Arran were without power after ice and snow damaged pylons.
Farmers have been left counting the cost of the blizzard conditions, with many having to rescue stranded livestock at the height of the lambing season.Farmers have been left counting the cost of the blizzard conditions, with many having to rescue stranded livestock at the height of the lambing season.
An RAF Chinook helicopter was called in on Tuesday to help as part of an emergency operation in Northern Ireland as farms and families were cut off by huge snow drifts.An RAF Chinook helicopter was called in on Tuesday to help as part of an emergency operation in Northern Ireland as farms and families were cut off by huge snow drifts.
The severe weather has also been blamed for the deaths of a number of birds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, which have washed up on Britain's beaches.The severe weather has also been blamed for the deaths of a number of birds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, which have washed up on Britain's beaches.
The RSPB Scotland said it had received reports in Aberdeenshire, Angus and Northumberland.The RSPB Scotland said it had received reports in Aberdeenshire, Angus and Northumberland.
The Met Office has issued a cold weather alert for much of England, with a 100% probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions until Friday.The Met Office has issued a cold weather alert for much of England, with a 100% probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions until Friday.
Its outlook for Sunday to 9 April predicts cold, dry weather, with a few light snow flurries and widespread frost and icy patches overnight.Its outlook for Sunday to 9 April predicts cold, dry weather, with a few light snow flurries and widespread frost and icy patches overnight.
The Met Office predicts temperatures are unlikely to recover to nearer normal values until the latter part of April.The Met Office predicts temperatures are unlikely to recover to nearer normal values until the latter part of April.
Gemma Plumb, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said that while there was no forecast for more big snow falls, it would remain very cold for the rest of the week, with temperatures as low as minus 6C (21.2F) overnight and ranging from 4C to 8C in the day time.Gemma Plumb, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said that while there was no forecast for more big snow falls, it would remain very cold for the rest of the week, with temperatures as low as minus 6C (21.2F) overnight and ranging from 4C to 8C in the day time.
"By the time we get to April some places could be 4C or 5C below the average for the month. The south-east is likely to see temperatures of 6C to 8C, but the average for April is 12C or 13C," she said."By the time we get to April some places could be 4C or 5C below the average for the month. The south-east is likely to see temperatures of 6C to 8C, but the average for April is 12C or 13C," she said.
"There will be some sunny spells around at times, and a few light snow flurries, especially in the east."There will be some sunny spells around at times, and a few light snow flurries, especially in the east.
"High pressure will start to build across the UK, so there will be fewer snow flurries and more in the way of dry weather over Easter weekend, but it will remain very cold."High pressure will start to build across the UK, so there will be fewer snow flurries and more in the way of dry weather over Easter weekend, but it will remain very cold.
"Sunny spells might begin to thaw the snow, but winds from the east could cause more drifts. There are no real signs of warmer weather moving in at this time.""Sunny spells might begin to thaw the snow, but winds from the east could cause more drifts. There are no real signs of warmer weather moving in at this time."
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