Cumbria saw below-average temperatures and patchy frost as Arctic air swept in, the Met Office said.

Blustery showers, with a small risk of thunder and hail, were forecast for Wednesday, particularly in the north, the forecaster added.

Friday, September 13, started with frost patches in rural parts and turned brighter and warmer towards the late as the sun peeked out, and then turned cloudier from the west into the afternoon with a temperature peak of 14C.

But temperatures in Cumbria are showing signs of easing this weekend, however, as Saturday is forecast to be a ‘fine day with plenty of dry weather’ but cloudy, according to the Met Office.

They added that winds will strengthen with a ‘fairly brisk breeze’ by this afternoon, feeling a little warmer, with a maximum temperature of 18 degrees.

The outlook for Sunday to Tuesday shows patchy rain and drizzle, mostly affecting the north on Sunday, during which the lowest possible projected temperature is 2C, before becoming heavier and more widespread on Monday, and drier and brighter by Tuesday.

A Met Office spokesperson explained that a cold front swept south introducing Arctic air to the UK, resulting in below-average temperatures nationwide, with potential snow tabled for Scotland’s peaks above 800 metres.

The Met Office forecast for next week said: “The chance of some cloud and patchy rain or showers at first, more especially in central and/or northwestern areas, but by the middle of next week onwards high pressure is likely to become increasingly influential over the UK.

“This will likely lead to largely fine conditions for many areas, with the greatest chance of cloud and rain being across the far west and more especially northwest, and perhaps a few showers occasionally in the far southeast.

“Temperatures during this period are likely to be on the warmer side of average overall, but with settled conditions warm days could be offset by some chilly nights.

“Towards the end of this period there is a signal that the more settled conditions may cease.”