The Met Office has predicted snow for the North East in March, as its longer term forecast also predicts the temperatures falling.

Much of this week will be fairly settled with mostly light showers and some colder temperatures.

Cloud will be prevalent throughout this week with some scattered light showers.

However, as we move further into March, the Met Office has warned that the North East could see snow and colder temperatures.

Read more: Stockton-based Encora Energy working in Norfolk and Lincolnshire

According to the long-range forecast between Friday, March 3 and Sunday, March 12 organised snow showers are set to hit during this period.

A spokesperson for the forecaster said: “Showers mainly along northern and eastern coasts could be wintry across hills.

“Later in the period, high pressure is expected to migrate north-westwards, increasing the likelihood of any wintry showers in the north and east.

“There is a small possibility of more organised rain or snow spreading southwards.”

This is set to continue into late March as well, the forecaster adds: “Through this period, spells of rain and snow are likely at times, with a small possibility of these combining with stronger winds to become locally disruptive.”

Here is the forecast, both short-term and long-term:

Today

Cloudy once again, with further light showers moving in off the North Sea on a cool northeasterly wind. Feeling chilly in the breeze, particularly along the coast. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Tonight

Remaining cloudy this evening and overnight, with light showers continuing to move inland from the North Sea. The brisk northeasterly breeze easing somewhat. Minimum temperature 2 °C.

Thursday

Still largely cloudy through Thursday, with light showers continuing at first. These slowly easing through the day, especially in the south where some brightness may break through later. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday

Drier on Friday with some brighter spells. Further showers Saturday and Sunday, these turning more wintry into Sunday. Lighter winds, temperatures around average or just below. Some frosty nights.

Sunday 5 Mar - Tuesday 14 Mar

On Sunday, a mixture of sunny spells with scattered showers likely in the north and east, turning particularly wintry over northern hills and in the far northeast at times, and perhaps becoming more frequent in the north later. Drier conditions with sunny spells are expected in the rest of the country, with isolated showers possible at times. Light winds are expected for most, but moderate or fresh in the east. For the rest of the period, settled conditions are most likely across the country, with some wintry showers and snow the north and east at times. There is an increasing chance of it turning more unsettled later with spells of rain or snow becoming more likely. Temperatures overall will be below average, but gradually trend up through the period.

Wednesday 15 Mar - Wednesday 29 Mar

Confidence is very low during this period in general, but late seasonal wintry showers are expected across the country as milder air becomes less likely to affect the UK. This may also bring some dry weather at times, especially in western regions. Rain and strong winds are likely in the south, rain turning heavy at times. Colder and drier conditions are expected in the north, with wintry showers and a risk of heavy snow at times. Temperatures overall will likely be below normal, but milder in the south through the middle of March and perhaps beyond.