Met Office: Snow predicted for North East at start of 2024

This year looks set to conclude with strong winds, heavy rain and potential flooding in the region - with the aftermath of Storm Gerrit particularly prevalent in higher-up places. 

However, this type of weather will soon stop in 2024, according to the Met Office and WX Charts, after snow was predicted for the opening few weeks of January, 

Where and when to expect snow in the North East?
Rural parts of the North East, including the Durham Dales and top parts of Tyne and Wear can expect snow towards January 7, according to weather forecaster WX Charts.

The map shows light snowfalls of around 1-2cm per hour in the early hours of Sunday (January 7) morning.

The purple spot that shows snow for the North East on the WX Charts (Image: WX CHARTS)

The Met Office long-range forecast - which looks at the weather from January 4 to 13, and from Sunday, January 14 to Sunday, January 28, also mentions snow. 

Here's what is predicted for the North East for the rest of this week and for the longer term:

Today: A fine but frosty start, cloud and rain then sweeping northwards across the region through the morning, which may be preceded by some hill snow on the Cheviots and Pennines. Further outbreaks of occasionally heavy rain through the afternoon. Windy. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Tonight: Rain gradually clearing through the evening, with some drier spells developing by the early hours. Any showers restricted to western hills, perhaps chilly by dawn with lighter winds. Minimum temperature 4 °C.

Sunday: A dry start Sunday, but scattered showers developing through the morning, Turning windy especially across southern areas and in the heavier showers, Maximum temperature 6 °C.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday: Drier Monday with lingering showers dying out as winds ease. Dry start Tuesday, wet and windy later. Rain clearing to scattered showers Wednesday. Temperatures around or just below normal.

Recommended reading:

• One arrested as man in hospital after suspected stabbing at nightlife hotspot
• Dog stayed by the side of County Durham man who took his own life before Christmas
• Images show aftermath of 4x4 river incident that claimed lives of three men

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. With our latest deal you can pay £3 for three months, or get 40% off a 12-month subscription. Click here.

Thursday 4 Jan - Saturday 13 Jan: This period will start in an unsettled fashion, with showers in many places, and these will be heavy at times, with temperatures around normal for early January. During the rest of the period there will be a gradual trend towards more settled and somewhat colder conditions with some frosty nights (perhaps becoming widespread and severe in time). Occasional unsettled spells are still possible, but these generally much more regionalised, and infrequent than conditions of late. As temperatures fall, the chance of any precipitation falling as sleet and snow increases, particularly over high ground and especially over northern parts of the UK, but not exclusively so by any means. As well as frost and ice by night, some freezing fog is likely to develop as well.

Sunday 14 Jan - Sunday 28 Jan: Compared to normal, there is an increased chance of colder than average conditions during this period. Currently the chance of widespread severe cold is still deemed low, but still the risk of impacts from cold, ice and snow is greater than normal.