The region is expecting its last day facing Arctic conditions as the majority of snow is predicted to melt by Saturday evening – but drivers should look out for a fresh threat from ice.

Forecasters warn that snowfall, high winds and freezing temperatures are set to continue today, but the chilly residents of East Anglia can look forward to light relief as rising temperatures bring a thaw over the weekend.

It is predicted temperatures will rise to 2-3C on Saturday, as patchy sunshine begins to melt the frozen blanket across the region. The winds will also begin to die down tomorrow, dropping to 10mph overnight.

That’s not to say that the risk from ice and snow drifts is in the past, as temperatures dipping to -2 or -3C and winds as high as 40mph in coastal areas will continue to disrupt travel across the region throughout Friday.

Weatherquest forecaster Adam Dury said parts of Essex may see up to another two centimetres of snowfall this evening, while Suffolk is likely to escape any further flurries.

He added that people tempted to travel should keep off roads that haven’t been gritted, as there will likely be more drifts brought by high winds today.

Hundreds of schools remain closed across the region, giving youngsters another day off, as drivers have once again been told by Suffolk Constabulary to avoid making unnecessary journeys.

The next problem for drivers is likely to be ice with the Met Office issuing an additional yellow warning yesterday lunchtime for ice between midnight and 9am on Saturday.

The previous snow and then rain will create ice patches on untreated roads on Saturday morning, making driving conditions difficult, especially in more rural areas. Rain and sleet showers will then take over at the weekend.