Brits have been battling the chill as recent Arctic conditions sent mercury plummeting to lows of -2C, with icy blasts hailing from Scandinavia. But there's a respite in sight; Met Office experts predict a gradual temperature ascent, promising a more temperate swing as early as today and over the weekend.

Early autumn normality could bless the UK with daytime peaks hitting the early 20s by next week's onset. Hold off on stowing away those winter jackets however; new forecasts signal another frosty spell is just around the corner.

WXCharts' fresh projections point to another freeze, with thermometers expected to hover around the zero mark across vast tracts of northern Scotland come the dawn of Tuesday, September 24. The nip won't spare other regions either, with Cumbria barely climbing to 1C and Lancashire just edging up to 2C, while London will likely wake up to a nippy 12C.

Meanwhile, in the run-up to what is set to be a slightly milder but damp weekend, the Met Office suggests folks gear up for some warmth interspersed with occasional showers. Meteorologist Alex Deakin provided insights into Saturday's forecast: "It is going to be a chilly start to the weekend across most of England and Wales, with temperatures in single figures. Further north, it'll be a blustery day, with rain persisting over the western isles and the Highlands."

Alex Deakin continued: "A bit of cloud at times for England and Wales, but generally here it's a good-looking day for late summer, early autumn with plenty of sunshine. Yes, it will be a bit chilly first thing, but by the afternoon temperatures will be just ticking up a little bit just closer to average for the time of year, and little bit milder than it has been for the past few days for sure."

Today will see a cold and crisp start for most of the country after last night's low temperatures, though clear skies in many areas will see temperatures rise throughout the day. Some showers are expected along coastal areas in the east and later the northwest, but otherwise a largely dry day is expected with highs of 16-18C.

UK weather forecast

Friday:

After a chilly start it will be a mostly dry day with plenty of sunny spells. Feeling a little warmer than previous days. Rain arriving in the northwest later.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Dry for much of England and Wales through this period, with sunny spells. Cloudier for Northern Ireland, Scotland and northwest England, with outbreaks of rain. Temperatures returning nearer to average.