high pressure gave us the warmth because of how that was sitting across the country. and there now that has slipped away towards the south—east, it's kind of opened the floodgates for low pressure and a pool of very cold air coming down from the arctic so it's given us such a drastic temperature drop and that's why things have turned a bit more wintry again. it certainly caught this group by surprise. at nottinghamshire county cricket club's team photo shoot today, it wasn't just the players dressed in white. navteonhal, bbc news. time for a look at the weather. here's matt taylor. the lovely sara blissett mentioned the contrast we've had. in the last two weeks we have seen clear skies commonplace across the country. this afternoon the met office confirmed that provisionally it is the sunniest march on record for

scotland and northern ireland. in fact, just on sunday in aberdeenshire, the woman is part of the country with blue skies overhead. this afternoon, the same county, 2 degrees and snow showers pushed through. still falling quite widely across the country and they will continue overnight. fewer in number chiefly across eastern areas and frequent to the south—east corner where the strongest wind will be. away from that with clearing skies and temperatures dropping to freezing and below, —6 in the highlands and in eastern areas showers will continue with a real risk of ice with met office warnings into tomorrow morning. for most it is a bright and cold start with lots of sunshine around. fewer showers tomorrow and a stamp just lift the showers will be mainly rain or sleet and not snow. the exception being scotland and northern ireland with cloud spreading in from the north bringing snow initially, turning back to reign as temperatures lift. not as cold tomorrow with temperatures low for the first day of april. into friday night, that

cloud and outbreaks of rain and hill snow pushing down western areas, snow pushing down western areas, snow in the welsh hills at times to take us into saturday morning. temperatures just about above freezing away from the mountains but in many northern and eastern areas a frosty but bright started the weekend with sunny spells. cloud and rain across wales and south—west will gradually become confined to the channel islands. a few showers brewing up through the day but with lighter wind and more sunshine it will not feel quite as chilly and after a frosty start on sunday most of us are dried with one two showers. that's all from the bbc news at six, so it's goodbye from me, and on bbc one we nowjoin the bbc�*s news teams where you are.

hello, and welcome to sportsday — i'm hugh ferris. the headlines this evening... back from the brink, and now reaching their peak. england's perfect performance takes them to the women's cricket world cup final. ahead of the pomp and ceremony of the world cup draw in qatar — a focus on the problems, too, as the head of the organising committee speaks

exclusively to the bbc. will feel safe and secure. this is us inviting the world to come visit qatar. and what happens in vegas is a grand prix. formula one announces a third us—based race along the strip in sin city. hello again. welcome along. england are women's cricket world cup finalists, despite losing their first three games of the tournament. they've been running the gauntlet of going out every match since — but the defending champions have won all five, getting better all the time, too, culminating in a comfortable win over south africa in the semi final in new zealand. jo currie was watching.

a week ago, england thought their world cup hopes might be over. now they are one game away from lifting they are one game away from lifting the trophy. the joy and relief clear to see. having been put to tap donkor back, tell mum showed intent from the very first ball. moments later however, a different story. she lived life on the edge, getting away with this one — for captain have for the night, not so lucky. out for one, things weren't quite going to plan. why it continued to write her luck. those missed opportunities coming back to haunt south africa as she went on to make her century. a world—class performance, albeit against some shocking fielding. and their bowlers were in no mood to mess around — the best one day better in the world dismissed for zero. the perfect start— hello, mum. those smiles continued as did the wickets. ripping through the order, taking six and a breathtaking hall, leading

it democrat england to victory for 136 runs. ~ ., , , ., ., 136 runs. we honestly want to win that trephy _ 136 runs. we honestly want to win that trephy now — 136 runs. we honestly want to win that trophy now after _ 136 runs. we honestly want to win that trophy now after the - 136 runs. we honestly want to win that trophy now after the start - 136 runs. we honestly want to win that trophy now after the start we | that trophy now after the start we had especially. that trophy now after the start we had esnecially-— that trophy now after the start we had especially. australia now await encland in had especially. australia now await england in the _ had especially. australia now await england in the final _ had especially. australia now await england in the final as _ had especially. australia now await england in the final as they - had especially. australia now await england in the final as they look i had especially. australia now await england in the final as they look to | england in the final as they look to defend their title on sunday morning. jo currie, bbc news. the final is in the early hours of sunday morning, our time. australia have been completely dominant in the tournament so far. so england have quite the task ahead of them. henry morean and world cup winner alex hartley were in christchurch. two weeks ago england lost to south africa, headed off the field after losing three games in a row at the start of their title defence. some players thought they were out of the competition. fast forward and they've just played as most supreme game against the same opponents to book their place in sunday's world cup final against australia. 137 runs was the margin of victory, and alex hartley, a winter with england in 2017 - alex hartley, a winter with england in 2017 — heather knightley has been calling for the perfecting and performance, this was pretty much

it. it performance, this was pretty much it. ., , performance, this was pretty much it. . , ., ., , performance, this was pretty much it. it was, and opening batter caettin it. it was, and opening batter getting big — it. it was, and opening batter getting big runs _ it. it was, and opening batter getting big runs and - it. it was, and opening batter getting big runs and a - it. it was, and opening batter getting big runs and a bowlerj it. it was, and opening batter- getting big runs and a bowler taking six what_ getting big runs and a bowler taking six. what more do you want in a semi final? _ six. what more do you want in a semi final? knocking out a team who have been excellent in this competition, today— been excellent in this competition, today england were just so much hetten _ today england were 'ust so much better. , . ' ' today england were 'ust so much better. ' ' , better. danny wyatt with 129, she was dronped _ better. danny wyatt with 129, she was dronped on — better. danny wyatt with 129, she was dropped on five _ better. danny wyatt with 129, she was dropped on five occasions - better. danny wyatt with 129, shej was dropped on five occasions but the scorebook won't say that. she had to write her look but played well. ,, ., , , , well. she said in a press conference, _ well. she said in a press conference, i'm - well. she said in a press conference, i'm ago - well. she said in a press conference, i'm ago i i well. she said in a press| conference, i'm ago i got well. she said in a press - conference, i'm ago i got dropped well. she said in a press _ conference, i'm ago i got dropped a few times _ conference, i'm ago i got dropped a few times but you have to write their_ few times but you have to write their days — few times but you have to write their days like that." she helped england — their days like that." she helped england get up to a massive score, ended _ england get up to a massive score, ended up— england get up to a massive score, ended up being far too much or south africa, _ ended up being far too much or south africa, and _ ended up being far too much or south africa, and england put together the perfect _ africa, and england put together the perfect performance. they were clinicai— perfect performance. they were clinical and ruthless, and finally, the england squad we all like to watch — the england squad we all like to watch. , , ., the england squad we all like to watch, , , ., the england squad we all like to watch. , , ., watch. sophie eggleston took career best figures. — watch. sophie eggleston took career best figures, danny _ watch. sophie eggleston took career best figures, danny wyatt _ watch. sophie eggleston took career best figures, danny wyatt described | best figures, danny wyatt described her as a goat, greatest of all time. she's been phenomenal. she her as a goat, greatest of all time. she's been phenomenal.— she's been phenomenal. she is uenuinel she's been phenomenal. she is genuinely the _ she's been phenomenal. she is genuinely the best _ she's been phenomenal. she is genuinely the best spinner- she's been phenomenal. she is genuinely the best spinner i've| she's been phenomenal. she is - genuinely the best spinner i've seen this decade. she's a brilliant bowler, _ this decade. she's a brilliant bowler, it's a first ever international fibre, bowler, it's a first ever internationalfibre, she's bowler, it's a first ever

international fibre, she's been the best in_ international fibre, she's been the best in the — international fibre, she's been the best in the world for a few years now and — best in the world for a few years now and why paul cragg it. can't believe — now and why paul cragg it. can't believe she's never got an international five cup before, and today— international five cup before, and today she — international five cup before, and today she got... dashed white ball cricket _ today she got... dashed white ball cricket. she's taken england to the world _ cricket. she's taken england to the world cup— cricket. she's taken england to the world cup final. that cricket. she's taken england to the world cup final.— world cup final. that world cup final against — world cup final. that world cup final against australia _ world cup final. that world cup final against australia doesn't l world cup final. that world cup l final against australia doesn't get much bigger challenge for that. they are the world's best side, having lost twice in five years. can england when it?— lost twice in five years. can england when it? lost twice in five years. can encland when it? . , ., ,, england when it? anything can happen world cup finals. _ england when it? anything can happen world cup finals. it'll— england when it? anything can happen world cup finals. it'll be _ england when it? anything can happen world cup finals. it'll be a _ england when it? anything can happen world cup finals. it'll be a tough - world cup finals. it'll be a tough day, _ world cup finals. it'll be a tough day, everyone knows that, but anything — day, everyone knows that, but anything can happen. if england play like they— anything can happen. if england play like they did today, we have a game on. . , like they did today, we have a game on. . y y ., like they did today, we have a game on. ., , , ., , ., like they did today, we have a game on. ., , i. , ., ., on. finally, you been there and done it - what would _ on. finally, you been there and done it - what would your— on. finally, you been there and done it - what would your advice _ on. finally, you been there and done it - what would your advice be - on. finally, you been there and done it - what would your advice be to - it — what would your advice be to those in the england camp who have not played in the world cup final? just take in every single moment, go out there and enjoy it because it could _ out there and enjoy it because it could be — out there and enjoy it because it could be a — out there and enjoy it because it could be a once—in—a—lifetime opportunity. it was for me. the could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. it was for me. the old enemies up — opportunity. it was for me. the old enemies up against _ opportunity. it was for me. the old enemies up against each _ opportunity. it was for me. the old enemies up against each other, - opportunity. it was for me. the old | enemies up against each other, but it was australia's ashes series, england have waited five long years to get a win against them. sunday will be the place to break that

duck. ~ ., �* , on the eve of the draw for the 2022 world cup in qatar, amnesty international has told the bbc that football associations need to start looking into the conditions for migrant workers at their hotel bases. now, the tournament starts in november, and amnesty says since the world cup was awarded to qatar back in 2010, they've been looking into human rights violations in the country — and many, they say, still remain. the human rights situation in qatar is a bit dire on many fronts. the first one is the situation of migrant workers in the country. the conditions they faced all over the country pot but equally i think their concerns throughout regarding their concerns throughout regarding the freedom of expression, women's rights, lgbt rights. they have a responsibility to ensure that their operation in qatar, which is in this instance pending their teams to play

instance pending their teams to play in this world cup, is not april to contribute to human rights the labour conditions of workers who are in hotels they will be stare the micro staying at show the people who are servicing them are paid on time, not overworked, living in a decent place, enjoying their rights. so the need to do their homework now, and also be very open about what they are seeing about their findings. criticism of qatar has been widespread, including from within football. today, the head of the norweigan fa has called on fifa to take a more ethical approach to selecting world cup hosts in the future. but the organising committee rejects those concerns about migrant workers we've just heard, and those about the rights of lgbt people in a country where homosexuality is illegal. the committee's head, hassan al thawadi, has been speaking exclusively to our sports editor dan roan ahead of what he admits is a very significant day.

it's the last official milestone in the lead up to the world cup. so you know the teams are qualified, you know who's coming on board. so it creates a level of excitement, everyone can see their team. it brings it home, and now for the next six months, it'sjust a matter of preparing and being ready to welcome the world. the qatar world cup means fans, once a travel and get through the airport, will be able to stay in one accommodation and potentially watch one match today, up to 30k matches a day. watch one match today, up to 304 matches a day-— matches a day. some people are talkin: matches a day. some people are talking about _ matches a day. some people are talking about this _ matches a day. some people are talking about this world - matches a day. some people are talking about this world cup, - talking about this world cup, thinking is this just port watching? what you say to people who say that's the reason for this event ultimately?— that's the reason for this event ultimatel ? ., �* , ultimately? that couldn't be further from the truth, _ ultimately? that couldn't be further from the truth, to _ ultimately? that couldn't be further from the truth, to start _ ultimately? that couldn't be further from the truth, to start off- ultimately? that couldn't be further from the truth, to start off with. - from the truth, to start off with. if we look specifically at work that's been done over the last 12 years, there is significant progress that's been done, the reforms have done or that have occurred over here, the standards we've developed on the world cup projects. the work that has been done by the government

in terms of labour reform. what the world cup did was accelerate that initiative, it was a catalyst for that change. this is by exploiting the benefits of this tournament means. if you look at that work, the progress that's been made over the last 12 years, i think that in itself does away with the concept of sports waltzing because actual progress has been made on the ground in relation to that. just like there's always work to be done in england and throughout the rest of the world. i don't think any country today can claim they have the ideal system in place. progress must always be made. we acknowledge that progress needs to be made, but what we ask is also to acknowledge the work that's been done. stand we ask is also to acknowledge the work that's been done.— work that's been done. and other area is transparency _ work that's been done. and other area is transparency around - work that's been done. and other i area is transparency around migrant worker deaths. the reason there is concern that this is that without that knowledge, it's difficult to establish the reason there a bereaved family may not receive the compensation they are due. is that an area of concern? h0 compensation they are due. is that an area of concern?— compensation they are due. is that an area of concern? no matter what ou do, an area of concern? no matter what you do. nothing _ an area of concern? no matter what you do, nothing will— an area of concern? no matter what you do, nothing will compensate - an area of concern? no matter what| you do, nothing will compensate the loss of life. we try our best within

our authority to be able to provide compensation for the families. but be on our compensation for the families. but be on your projects, though? as i l be on your pro'ects, though? as i said, be on your pro'ects, though? as i said. every — be on your projects, though? as i said, every death _ be on your projects, though? " i said, every death we've investigated, tried to find the root cause and tried to ensure that these tragedies do not occur, try to take steps towards preventing these things, and he sets tragedies from occurring. things, and he sets tragedies from occurrina. ., ., , ., things, and he sets tragedies from occurrina. ., ., i. ., occurring. how do you feel about the teams and high-profile _ occurring. how do you feel about the teams and high-profile players - occurring. how do you feel about the teams and high-profile players that. teams and high—profile players that have recently been speaking out about these issues, human rights concerns in qatar? i about these issues, human rights concerns in qatar?— concerns in qatar? i think it's a very important _ concerns in qatar? i think it's a very important to _ concerns in qatar? i think it's a very important to actually - very important to actually understand the issues and to understand the issues and to understand — perform the relevant research and understand the issues as you speak. shire research and understand the issues as you speak-— as you speak. are you saying some haven't? well, _ as you speak. are you saying some haven't? well, i'm _ as you speak. are you saying some haven't? well, i'm saying - as you speak. are you saying some haven't? well, i'm saying some . haven't? well, i'm saying some --eole haven't? well, i'm saying some people have _ haven't? well, i'm saying some people have made _ haven't? well, i'm saying some people have made statements i haven't? well, i'm saying some - people have made statements that, in my opinion, were ill—informed. we should not be apologetic over our ambitions to be able to host this tournament, because we are a

football loving region, we are football loving region, we are football crazy and football mad like anywhere else. we have the legitimate ambition to showcase our region to the rest of the world, and to change people's perception of who we are. ., �* ., to change people's perception of who weare. ., �* ., _ , we are. you've said that everybody will be welcome _ we are. you've said that everybody will be welcome at _ we are. you've said that everybody will be welcome at this _ we are. you've said that everybody. will be welcome at this tournament. but how do you reconcile that? it is it a qualified world cup when you consider the suppression of gay rights in this country, we've heard gareth southgate can democratic stress the concern that some fans will not feel comfortable coming here? the male guardianship system when it comes to women's rights? football is now very focused on inclusivity and anti—discrimination. how does one reconcile that push with coming to a country in which there are certain rules, as we've discussed?— discussed? we've always said everybody — discussed? we've always said everybody is _ discussed? we've always said everybody is welcome. - discussed? we've always said everybody is welcome. we i discussed? we've always said| everybody is welcome. we will discussed? we've always said - everybody is welcome. we will ensure a welcoming environment, everybody will come and feel safe, everybody will come and feel safe, everybody will feel secure. this is us

inviting the world to come visit qatar, to visit the arab world and understand, again, for us we are... public displays of affection are not within our culture. welcoming different cultures and are country is a part of our culture. we've had people from different walks of life who've made a home for themselves in qatar. i think the nature of these tournaments allows people from different walks of life to be able to experience and understand different cultures. hassan al thawadi speaking to our sports editor dan roan — ahead of the draw, where england will find out their group opponents. wales and scotland could stilljoin them. football figures from around the world have gathered in qatar for the fifa congress, where president gianni infantino has stepped sharply back from what have been very controversial plans for holding the tournament every two years — plans he first mooted last year.

viva has not proposed a biannual world cup —— fifa. let's get the process clear here. the last fifa conference asked of the fee for the fifa administration with a vote, which voted in favour to start the feasibility of a world cup every two years. the fifa administration and leadership of arsene wenger did exactly that. we started the visibility. but fifa did not propose anything. a biennial world cup has been a divisive topic of late, as has increasing the number of substitutes in premier league matches to five. it had been the only top league in europe not to reintroduce the rule originally brought in during the pandemic — until today, when it was agreed that teams will be allowed to make five changes from next season. brendan rodgers is one of those to have changed his mind.

i'd be very much in favour of it. i was probably one of the ones at the beginning to say every three, see where we're at and take a look at it. but certainly haven't had a look at it over the course of the season, primarily for the health of the players and i think the five substitutions are much better. arsenal are aiming to reach the semi—finals of the women's champions league for the first time since 2013. they drew 1—1 against wolfsburg in the first leg at emirates stadium. kick—off for the second leg at wolfsburg arena, in germany was delayed by more than five minutes because the referee wasn't happy about the amount of confetti in one of the penalty areas. it was a bad start for arsenal, withjill roord putting wolfsburg ahead injust the ninth minute. it's currently 1—0. the winner will face barcelona in the semi—finals. let's have a quick look at some of the other stories making the sports news today...

the first women's golf major of the year is under way. charlie hull have made promising starts to the chevron championship in california. whole is just three shots off the lead. —— hull. scotland's russell knox is the early leader at the texas open. he's seven under par after his opening round. it's been a disappointing day for rory mcilroy — he's one over. —— he's leveled par after 16. belgium's luca brecel leads judd trump by six frames to two, after the first session of their players championship quarterfinal. they'll play to a finish this evening, with the first to ten making the semis in llandudno. transgender cyclist emily bridges will not compete at the national omnium championships on saturday, after the world governing body stepped in to prevent her from taking part in her first women's event. she would have faced some of the sport's biggest names, including five—time olympic champion laura kenny — but the uci's ruling dictates she's unable to race.

our correspondent alex capstick has more. emily bridges was a highly rated junior, she was selected in 2019 on the senior academy at british cycling. she had an interview in 2020 to say she was a trans— female and was taking hormone replacement treatment. that began year and treatment. that began last year and she'd kept her testosterone levels below the threshold of the 12 month period required by british cycling in orderfor her to period required by british cycling in order for her to compete against females. that was going to happen this weekend. the british national omnium championships, she was on the provisional list to race against the likes of dame laura county. but the uci intervened, saying she was ineligible. what happened here was that because this event on saturday in derby carries international ranking, it comes under the uci, they have to authorise all the writers. and in emily bridges's case, it still hasn't come before an

expert panel. they need to me and look at all the medical information before they can make a decision —— need to meet. as far as they are concerned right now, emily bridges is still a male writer. ahshd concerned right now, emily bridges is still a male writer.— is still a male writer. and we are havin: is still a male writer. and we are having these _ is still a male writer. and we are having these conversations i is still a male writer. and we are having these conversations as i is still a male writer. and we are i having these conversations as each individual case seems to be a case of each individual sport. and in this case, there's been i imagine something that's been familiar to us over the last few months? it is something that's been familiar to us over the last few months?— over the last few months? it is such a contentious _ over the last few months? it is such a contentious issue, _ over the last few months? it is such a contentious issue, as _ over the last few months? it is such a contentious issue, as you - over the last few months? it is such a contentious issue, as you can i a contentious issue, as you can imagine, from both sides. the argument of people supporting emily bridges says she has every right to compete, sport is inclusive. others on the opposite side of the argument argue that any trans female is to maker retains an unfair physical advantage which threatens the future of female sport. we did get a statement on this from british cycling, saying that they recognised emily's disappointment, but what

they want is a coalition across a number of sports involving governing bodies, athletes, including transgender and non—binary community and the government in order to find and the government in order to find a better answer. one group we don't hear very much from at all is current athletes — many of them believe this is such a sensitive topic, theyjust don't want to get involved. so no comments so far from other cyclists who are due to compete against emily bridges this weekend. �* compete against emily bridges this weekend. . , ., ., weekend. alex, you mentioned the uci anel, how weekend. alex, you mentioned the uci panel. how long _ weekend. alex, you mentioned the uci panel. how long do _ weekend. alex, you mentioned the uci panel, how long do you _ weekend. alex, you mentioned the uci panel, how long do you think— weekend. alex, you mentioned the uci panel, how long do you think it'll- panel, how long do you think it'll take for them to convene and consider this issue? clearly it'll be one that has a great deal of ramifications for sport. the process is under way. _ ramifications for sport. the process is under way, which _ ramifications for sport. the process is under way, which is _ ramifications for sport. the process is under way, which is all _ ramifications for sport. the process is under way, which is all they'd i is under way, which is all they'd say. it could be days, weeks or months. we really don't know. but until a decision is reached in emily bridges's favour, she will be able to compete in international accommodations. i should say this is notjust an issue in cycling, but

across all support as they continue to grapple with the current rules and what to do within the guidance. the ioc has had to tell federation sports to come up with their own rules. sport is trying to work out what to do, but i think all of them agree it is a challenging issue for them. from next year, formula one will be heading down the strip. las vegas will host a grand prix from next year, making it the third american city on the calendar. it'll be a night race and on a saturday in november, with cars speeding alongside casinos at 200 mph. for us, this is a perfect partnership. i have to say, the excitement and intensity in the entertainment capital of the world. formerly one has huge momentum, and we are growing around the world, and this is the reason why also because it is super —— formula 1. the united states is a massive focus for us, no doubt about that. we've seen the

fans here growing all the time. the races in las vegas will be huge. let's speak to our f1 reporterjennie gow, licking her lips at the prospect of a glamourous trip to vegas. although it's not the first time the sport has had a race in las vegas — is this just about money, it's certainly not and yes, i'm looking forward to it. at the sport has been there before and not particularly successfully, i would suggest. in 1981 and 1982, benny eccleston managed to get a race in the caesar's palace car parked in essence. it was a bit of a mickey mouse track, and ever since 1982 when the race was one by michaela amaretto, there's been this desperate need for formula 1 to be backin desperate need for formula 1 to be back in vegas. but it's not happened, and i think this is a real victory for liberty, the owners of formula 1 now, to finally manage to get everybody in agreement to say yes, let's race on the strip. stand

yes, let's race on the strip. and how much _ yes, let's race on the strip. and how much is — yes, let's race on the strip. and how much is it _ yes, let's race on the strip. and how much is it about _ yes, let's race on the strip. and how much is it about the money and the success financially that this might bring, but also because of the owners and where they come from, the prospect of growing the sport in america which has already happened to the degree that they've got three now on the calendar in the country? there's been quite an uproar about why haven't... which first there's been quite an uproar about why haven't. .. which first started in 2012, miami do to have its first race in early may this year, and then of course vegas next year. but actually if you look at it, you're up actually if you look at it, you're up as a continent has many more races, so it's not disproportionate. and as you say, drive to survive, the netflix series, has really lead more people to be interested in formula 1 —— drive to survive. liberty know how important it is to really get the american market, grab it and utilise it. so this is all

about america, this is saturday night prime viewing, forget all the other american sport, this is tailor—made for their market and they are hoping that obviously it pays dividends literally. just ruickl , pays dividends literally. just quickly. it — pays dividends literally. just quickly, it won't _ pays dividends literally. just quickly, it won't go down the strip, will it? it quickly, it won't go down the strip, will it? �* , ., quickly, it won't go down the strip, will it? �*, ., , will it? it will, it's due to past man of will it? it will, it's due to past many of the _ will it? it will, it's due to past many of the amazing - will it? it will, it's due to past i many of the amazing landmarks, hotels and casinos. i know the drivers are looking forward to it, they've just said, "please don't schedule a race straight off the back of it." schedule a race straight off the back of it- "— back of it." the drivers, what happens _ back of it." the drivers, what happens in vegas _ back of it." the drivers, what happens in vegas stays i back of it." the drivers, what happens in vegas stays in i back of it." the drivers, what i happens in vegas stays in vegas at least for a few days afterwards. jenny, thanks so much. before we go, let's just return to football. this year the snow didn't even let the warm up games go unaffected. two had to stop for fleury. the not income team photo call probably wouldn't of produced any pictures with keeping. —— nottingham team

photo call. the caption, "it's beginning to look a lot like cricket." be thankful i didn't sing. theyjokingly cricket." be thankful i didn't sing. they jokingly tweeted cricket." be thankful i didn't sing. theyjokingly tweeted earlier on today," northamptonshire have won the task and refused to field." the county championship gets under way next thursday, all being well with what the weather has in store. they are currently 1—0 down and trailing by 2—1, just getting the second half under way in germany. don't forget to head to our website for all the sports news throughout the evening. but from me and the rest of the team here at the bbc sport centre, thanks for watching. hello there. well, it may well have felt

like we've gone back a season from spring into the middle of winter, with some snow around. we started off with around six centimetres of snow in parts of west yorkshire, one of the snowiest parts of the uk. and, with snow showers continuing to feed in through the day, often they have big, chunky flakes of snow like these, with temperatures a few degrees above freezing — that helps snowflakes kind of stick together. so for quite a few areas, we have seen some snow, and there's more of that to come as we look at the forecast overnight, as well, particularly for eastern scotland, eastern areas of england, and especially kent, where we're looking at a zone of heavy, persistent showers moving in here. so there could be several centimetres of snow in places overnight, with temperatures diving below freezing — a widespread and sharp frost. well, we're looking at the risk of some icy stretches to take us into friday. now those showers across the southeast are reluctant to pull away. across the northwest of the uk, we've got a weather front that'll be bringing some snow to highland scotland, but, as that pushes to the southwest of scotland and northern ireland, there's a tendency for it to turn more to sleet and to rain.

otherwise, sunshine and showers, those showers wintry pretty widely. temperatures similar, but the winds not as strong across eastern areas, so perhaps not feeling quite as bitterly cold. now, looking at the forecast through friday night now, our weather front continues to push southwards, bringing some hill snow into wales. again, with temperatures diving below freezing, we've got a risk of icy stretches once again, but perhaps not quite so cold in the west, with temperatures perhaps not quite so low here. now saturday morning, we start off with hill snow in wales — that feature moves southwards, bringing a mixture of rain, maybe a little bit of sleet and snow across the moors. otherwise, it's another day of sunshine and showers, perhaps then the showers turning heavy with a bit of hail mixed in with them. temperatures generally coming up an odd degree, but still pretty chilly for april, 9—10 celsius your top temperature. second half of the weekend sees some further changes, though. we start the day with some sunshine — however, it turns cloudier for the north with a weather front

moving into northern scotland, bringing outbreaks of rain here through the day. cloud builds elsewhere. could see a few areas of mist and fog around the coast in the hills, and maybe an odd patch of drizzle, as well. temperatures still disappointing, but coming up to about 11 at best.

hello, i'm lewis vaughanjones this is outside source. russia will stop supplying gas to european countries it deems "unfriendly" — unless they pay for it in roubles. vladimir putin has signed the decree which will take effect on the first of april, european states are calling it blackmail. the financial system of western countries is being used as a weapon. assets in dollars and euros are present, so it makes no sense to use the currencies of these countries. russia's attack on ukraine continues — a humanitarian convoy has been sent to rescue civilians from the besieged city of mariupol — but does vladimir putin know how badly his invasion is going?

even though we believe put