What a difference a week makes. Days ago, Leicestershire was basking in the sunniest January since records began in 1896, with 97 hours of sunshine compared to the typical 61.

The average temperature was 4.5C, some 0.7C higher than normal for the first month of the year.

But now weather forecasters are predicting temperatures as low as -4C in the city, -6C in other parts of the county, and snow at the weekend.

Mercury weatherman Dave Mutton said: "It looks like it's going to remain pretty cold and I think on Saturday we might see up to 2cm to 3cm of snow.

"This is pretty normal for this time of year, but January was so mild, that's why people are really feeling it now.

"We've gone back to winter proper now, though. People should keep the heating on and keep the thermals and hats, scarves and gloves handy."

The unseasonal weather in January also disrupted nature, with bosses at the Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital, in Kibworth, taking in a baby thrush which hatched more than two months early.

Spokeswoman Angela Downham said: "This poor fellow is the victim of the mild weather.

"He should not have arrived until the end of March. This is the earliest we have received a fledgling thrush.

"He is the only one of three eggs that have survived."

Now that temperatures are plummeting, both the city and county council's gritters have been taking to the roads overnight to prevent accidents on icy roads.

The county has 17 gritters to treat the roads, as well as 62 snow wardens to treat paths and 60 farmers who fit ploughs to their tractors to help out if it starts to snow heavily.

Lesley Pendleton, the county council's environment and transport spokesman, said: "Our gritters are geared up to keep Leicestershire moving.

"We monitor the weather 24/7 and if freezing temperatures are forecast, our fleet of gritters treat almost half of the county's road network."

She said 10,000 tonnes of the 16,500 tonnes of grit ordered at the start of the winter was still in stock.

Councillor Rory Palmer, deputy city mayor responsible for transport, said: "As ever, when extremely cold weather is forecast, we monitor the latest updates and have our gritting fleet ready to go out.

"We've been out the last four nights ensuring all the main routes are treated overnight in time for the morning rush-hour."

Elderly people are being urged to keep warm during the cold spell.

Peter Marks, director of public health for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland primary care trusts, said: "When the temperature outside drops, it is important to have regular hot drinks and meals to keep energy levels up.

"Keeping active will help you to feel warmer, but when going outside it is very important to wrap up well and wear boots or shoes with a good grip.

"If it is icy or snowy outside, be aware that paths, steps and driveways can become a hazard, making the ground slippery and increasing the risk of slips, trips and falls."

Met Office forecast for the weekend

Severe weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for this weekend with heavy snow forecast for Leicestershire tomorrow (Saturday) evening.

Met Office forecast for the next three days:

Tonight will see and temperatures fall to -2C with clear skies and widespread frost.

Saturday: After a bright start in the morning it will become cloudy through the afternoon with heavy snow forecast for the evening and nighttime.Temperature: Max 1C. Min -4C.

Sunday: Dry and bright in the day but getting cloudy and foggy by nightime. Temperature: Max 4C. Min 0C.

Monday: Misty with low-level cloud. Temperature: Max 3C. Min 1C.

See the five-day forecast for Leicester and Leicestershire.

Pictures of Melton Mowbray Country Park after light snow - 2nd February 2012