Up to 47cm (18 inches) of snow fell across the UK yesterday, hampering transport networks and shutting schools as millions of people stayed home.
A low of minus 17.7C (0.14F) was recorded in Benson, Oxfordshire, eclipsing the minus 12C (10.4F) seen in Davos, Switzerland, and the comparatively balmy minus 8C (17.6F) in St Anton, Austria.
At its coldest, the village of Benson was only 2C warmer than the South Pole, although it is the height of summer in the southern hemisphere.
There were some small signs of respite today, with no extreme weather warnings for the first time in two days and airports and train operators putting on more services for hard-pressed travellers.
Yesterday’s disruption is estimated to have cost businesses approximately £700 million, with much more financial damage to come as the country struggles to get back to normal.
Gatwick Airport’s runway was reopened last night after being shut all day with more than 240 flights cancelled, but bosses warned passengers to expect delays. Luton, Birmingham, Stansted, Cardiff and Southampton Airports were also open after being forced to close yesterday, with all again advising travellers of disruption.
Up to 5,000 homes in Sussex, Kent and Surrey were also without electricity last night after heavy snow affected power lines.
Emergency measures to alleviate the gritting crisis were put forward to allow Britain’s biggest salt mine to supply the country day and night.
PA