It is the news millions of Britons have been waiting to hear – it is about to get warmer – though it still snowed again yesterday in London.

As the nation shivered and wrapped up during last month’s unseasonable weather, many Britons wondered if the big wintry chill would ever end.

Despite freezing temperatures yesterday and flurries of snowfall, forecasters said next week would usher in comparatively balmy conditions of 13C.

John Lee, of Meteogroup, the Press Association’s weather division, said: “With the snow and sleet combined with a brisk north-easterly wind it feels especially cold, it is a repeat story of the last month or so.

“However, looking ahead there are signs it will break down next week and return to slightly milder conditions. At the moment temperatures are getting nearer average but certainly not warm. The average temperature is about 13C and there are signs of that next week. Compared to what we have had, that will feel quite nice but it will be accompanied by some rain and not particularly dry weather from Monday.”