Gritters ready if Beast from the East 2 comes to the North East

The Met Office said a major Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) - a sudden jump in temperatures which can trigger a large area of blocking high pressure - may occur late this month or in early March.

In 2018, such an event led to the Beast from the East, which blanketed the North East with snow and shut down hundreds of schools.

Norfolk County Council says it has enough grit to get through the rest of the winter

The Met Office has stressed the SSW will not necessarily mean a repeat of the Beast from the East.

They said for the next week or so, it is likely to lead to "changeable conditions" with temperatures milder than average.

But at the end of the month and into March, forecasters said: "A period of colder or much colder temperatures remains a small possibility and could bring spells of wintry weather."

Durham County Council is monitoring forecasts and bosses said they have plenty of grit available.

Here is the forecast for the region:

Sunday:

Generally cloudy with scattered, mostly light, showers. Only limited sunny intervals. Feeling cold, despite slightly lighter winds compared to today. Maximum temperature 8 °C.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Generally cloudy, with scattered mostly light showers. Often breezy, especially along the coast, and feeling rather cold, Chance of slight overnight frosts where any clearer spells occur.

Weather until Sunday, March 5

Friday is likely to be rather settled, with sunny spells to start, followed by cloudy conditions through much of the day, resulting in some light drizzle in places. Sunny spells and showers are possible in the north, where winds are likely to turn stronger through the day. A frosty start is expected, especially across the south and east, but temperatures will generally be around average elsewhere. Through the rest of the period, settled conditions are likely to continue, however, some light rain and showers are still possible at times, with nocturnal fog or mist developing in places. Some stronger winds could develop in the east and south, making it feel colder here, though temperatures overall, will be generally near or slightly below average, although locally cold overnight.

Monday, March 6 - Monday, March 20

High pressure is expected to dominate at the start of the period, with any more unsettled weather most likely across the far north and northwest. However, low pressure could develop to the south of the UK by the middle of the month, bringing more widespread changeable conditions. Temperatures are expected to be generally around average to begin, with the risk of colder nights throughout the period. There is an increasing chance of some colder-than-average conditions developing as the month progresses, although confidence remains low.