A bitter blast from Scandinavia will put Spring on hold for almost a week as cold temperatures and snow return to parts of Britain and the temperature dips to just -3C . The cold snap has returned with a vengeance despite Britain recently enjoying blue skies and sunshine with temperatures peaking at 17.5C in some parts of the country . But the weather has taken a cooler turn as an easterly breeze from northern Europe sweeps across the UK - and it is expected to last until the middle of next week . In Cambridge tourists refused to let the cold snap ruin their fun , and were pictured punting on the River Cam this morning warmly wrapped up huddled under blankets . Scroll down for video . Tourists hide under blankets as they brave the freezing temperatures while punting on the River Cam in Cambridge this morning . This couple refuse to let the cold snap ruin their trip out on the River Cam - instead choosing to huddle under the blankets together . Yesterday high altitude areas including Durham and Huddersfield were blanketed with snow after an overnight fall . The Met Office blames the low temperatures on high pressure building in the North-east and say the Midlands and the North of the country could see a dusting of snow , sleet and frost on the hills in the next couple of days . The chill , which is expected to last until mid next week , will see bitter winds make temperatures of 4-7C feel like 1-5C . The Met Office blamed the sharp shift in weather on high pressure shifting from southern Europe to Scandinavia - meaning a touch of 'polar air ' could be heading towards Britain . The tourists are clearly enjoying themselves as they go punting on the River Cam - and ensure they were wrapped up warmly . The chill , which is expected to last until mid next week , will see bitter winds make temperatures of 4-7C feel like 1-5C across the country . The weather has taken a cooler turn as icy wind sweeps across the country - and it 's expected to last until at least the middle of next week . A Met Office spokesman said temperatures will dip as low as -3C overnight in parts of West Wales , North West England and Scotland . He said : 'There is a cold breeze around at the moment . Today 's temperature is around 8 or 9 degrees , which is below average for this time of year . 'Tomorrow will be similar and perhaps even colder . It is going to be cold particularly with the moderate north easterly breeze we are experiencing . There is a chance of wintry showers with the colder temperatures and it could be a bit sleety out there . 'We do have high pressure across Scandinavia and it 's pulling colder air over the rest of northern Europe - it 's bringing in these colder temperatures , which means we have these cold and quite cloudy conditions . ' A large part of the country will see cloud over the next few days - in fact its set to be cloudy with the occasional bright spell rather than the other way round. ' . The Met Office added that as the weather has been so dry recently conditions should not be too icy , although there is a risk of local , patchy frost . A member of the Brighton and Hove Sea Swimming Club emerges from the water apparently impervious to the bitterly cold temperatures . Two women in slightly more suitable attire are pictured relaxing on Brighton Beach this morning - where it is a cool 6C . Thousands of gorgeous daffodils are in full bloom in Sidmouth , Devon , this afternoon where the weather is cool but sunny .
Icy blast blowing from Scandinavia and Russia will see night time temperatures drop as low as -3C in the UK . Chilly weather is expected to last until at least the middle of next week and has already brought snow to some areas . Yesterday parts of South Wales and the north of England woke up to find themselves blanketed in snow . Cold wind has also brought cloudy conditions to much of the UK which will remain in place until Wednesday .