EARLY risers were left scraping their windscreens this morning as the first widespread frost covered the region.

EARLY risers were left scraping their windscreens this morning as the first widespread frost covered the region.

Temperatures in Ipswich plummeted to 2C/35F with ground temperatures falling as low as -2C/29F.

A white shroud covered gardens and rooftops as people awoke across Suffolk but the frosty atmosphere cleared and gave way to a pleasant but bracing morning.

Evening Star weather expert Ken Blowers predicts the outlook will be unsettled for the rest of the week.

He said: “There will be more cold temperatures on the way with strong south-westerly breezes, though there is nothing to indicate a particularly cold winter.”

The earliest we've seen snow in this area of the country is November 10 but Mr Blowers promised no sign of it in the near future.

Tomorrow is set to be cloudy at times with some bright spells but outbreaks of rain arriving later in the afternoon.

The outlook for the weekend is similar with a dry start anticipated on Saturday but further heavy rain and strong winds expected later. It will be brighter on Sunday but showers will continue.

Forecasters sense another mild winter but expect a smattering of brief cold spells.

Met Office long range seasonal predictions suggest winter temperatures are more likely to be above normal but lower than those experienced last year, with rainfall likely to be lower than during last year's relatively wet winter.