AFTER the big chill that brought Hampshire grinding to a halt, forecasters have predicted a weekend break from the big freeze.

But weather experts have warned that Arctic temperatures will be back by Monday morning.

Met office forecaster Helen Chivers said: “In coastal areas the snow is likely to thaw as temperatures rise to around 8C (46F) on Saturday afternoon, with a continued mix of rain and sleet showers.

“But the warmer temperatures are going to be short-lived – people are likely to find that by Sunday afternoon the temperatures are back down again and by the time we get to Monday morning, ice will once again be a problem.”

Freezing temperatures, icy conditions and thick fog caused a second day of weather chaos in the region yesterday The mercury dropped to -6C (21F) in Lee-on-the-Solent on Thursday night, which was the lowest December temperature that’s ever been recorded in the area.

Schools shut, bins went uncollected and planes were grounded, as emergency services once again warned us not to travel unless it was completely necessary.

More than 1,000 tonnes of grit and salt was spread across Hampshire’s major roads in just 24 hours according to councils and in rural areas of the region around 120 farmers with snow ploughs fitted to their tractors were out clearing minor routes.

Children enjoyed a second snow day as most schools across the region remained closed, with Springhill Catholic Primary School the only one in Southampton to brave icy conditions and open its doors to pupils.

But despite the disruption, local authorities say they’ve learned from last winter’s snowfall.

John Harvey, Southampton City Council’s highways technical manager, said: “All of the main routes in the city have been passable at all times, right through this adverse weather.

“The only exception was Civic Centre Hill, which was impassable for about half an hour on Thursday morning.”

Hampshire County Council has also reviewed its response to the snow since last winter.

Council leader Ken Thornber said: “I think the planning is paying off – I’m slightly cautious because I think we need to wait until the end of this cold snap to see.

“But I’m particularly happy that we’ve now got a salting regime for the community routes.”

Many places affected by the weather are hoping the warmer temperatures this weekend will mean things can return to normal by Monday.

Southampton Solent University and the University of Southampton, both remained closed yesterday but were planning to reopen at the beginning of the next week.

Binmen were also hoping to start catching up on missed collections.

Southampton Airport was shut again yesterday morning but reopened at 1pm after an extensive effort to clear ice from the runway.

However, passengers were still being warned to expect disruption, as airlines try to catch up with their timetables.