FREEZING temperatures and thick fog yesterday caused a rare type of frost to cover the county on the coldest day of the winter so far.

Lizzie Parry

FREEZING temperatures and thick fog yesterday caused a rare type of frost to cover the county on the coldest day of the winter so far.

The mercury struggled to reach a high of 0C (32 Fahrenheit) and combined with the foggy conditions a 'rime' frost descended, transforming the countryside into a winter wonderland.

Speaking last night Ipswich weatherman Ken Blowers said the picturesque weather, mistaken by many as snow caused thick white ice as water droplets in the fog froze.

“It is rare type of frost because you have to have very low temperatures and fog as well,” he said. “Temperatures only rose to 0C (32 Fahrenheit) making it the coldest day of the winter so far.

“There will be another sharp frost tomorrow but it should be the last cold day before temperatures rise.”

The longest cold spell to grip the region for 12 years is set to thaw out over the weekend as milder temperatures are on their way.

Plummeting temperatures, ice and dry sunny weather has kept a hold over the region and temperatures have failed to achieve their average for this time of year for 16 days in a row.

Mr Blowers added: “The 17-day cold spell is due to end this coming weekend; it has been the longest cold spell since 1996.

“Temperatures are set rise as south westerly winds will come in from the Atlantic will bring temperatures up to the average for this time of year, around 7C (44 Fahrenheit).

“It will be the first time temperatures have reached their average for this time of year for 16 days.”

Next week the outlook is for milder temperatures but more changeable conditions as south westerly winds could reach up to 20 miles an hour.

As the cold spell comes to an end so to will the dry weather, after 26 days without significant rainfall next week is set to be wetter.