The first flakes of snow have been spotted in County Durham after images showing weather conditions covering the hills of the region were released. 

Images released from Weardale Ski Club showed snow over its skiing venue on Swinhope Moor, County Durham. 

In the image, you can see the ski lifts and the slopes of the ski course - with Weardale Ski Club accompanying the image with the caption: "Winter has arrived at Swinhope, tiny bit of wet snow on soft ground. Not skiable yet but a start."

This snow follows a few days after The Tan Hill Inn, which stands at 1,732 feet above sea level at the top of Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales, getting snow on Sunday (November 26).

The Northern Echo: The snow in Swinhope, County DurhamThe snow in Swinhope, County Durham (Image: WEARDALE SKI CLUB)

With more snow forecast over the next week, particularly on Thursday and Friday, and temperatures in parts of County Durham and the Yorkshire Dales set to hover from freezing down to minus four this could be just the start.

Meanwhile, The Met Office has issued parts of the North East with a yellow weather warning for snow and ice over the next few days.

It comes as icy patches and up to 3cm of snow is possible, which may lead to hazardous conditions from Tuesday evening (November 28) and overnight into Wednesday morning (November 29).

The weather warning is in place from 5pm today until 11am on Wednesday.

The Northern Echo: Some of the first snows Tan Hill InnSome of the first snows Tan Hill Inn (Image: ANDREW KING)

A further warning has also been put in place from 5pm on Wednesday until 11am on Thursday (November 30).

This is due to showers, falling as snow inland, which will lead to icy patches and more hazardous conditions.

Much of the UK will see frosty weather starting from today, with temperatures forecast to dip as low as -8C in sheltered hills and glens in Scotland.

What to expect as North East issued yellow weather warning for snow and ice

The Met Office says people can expect the following:

  • Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
  • Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
  • Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services

The forecasters said: “Wintry showers will lead to ice forming on untreated surfaces during Tuesday evening and overnight into Wednesday morning.

“Snow will begin to accumulate, especially away from windward coasts, with 1-3cm possible.

"Higher routes of northeast Scotland may see up to 5cm of snow accumulate."

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The Met Office adds: "Wintry showers will continue to affect northern and eastern parts of Scotland and northeast England during Wednesday evening, overnight and into Thursday morning.

"These are likely to fall onto frozen surfaces allowing icy patches to form.

"Additionally, showers will fall as snow inland, with up to 2cm possible in places, perhaps as much as 5 cm over high ground."

Here are all the areas across the North East that have been listed by the Met Office under the latest yellow weather warning for snow and ice this week:

  • Darlington
  • Durham
  • Gateshead
  • Hartlepool
  • Middlesbrough
  • Newcastle upon Tyne
  • North Tyneside
  • Northumberland
  • Redcar and Cleveland
  • South Tyneside
  • Stockton-on-Tees
  • Sunderland

What should I do?

You can keep up to date with the latest weather updates on the Met Office website where you can find out about travelling in snow and ice as well as tips on staying safe in the snow.