Weather charts and the Met Office have mapped exactly when snow will fall in the North East later this week, as a weather warning has been put in place across the region. 

Cold air moving in from the north will see temperatures fall for many this week, increasing the chance of wintry hazards and a warning for snow issued.

Temperatures will drop to below average for the time of year as the rain clears to the south of the UK on Wednesday, leaving the whole of the country under the influence of largely dry, cold arctic air with an ongoing risk through the week of ice overnight.

Several National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued, including a yellow warning in force for snow, which covers the North East and much of Wales, northern and central England, and Northern Ireland.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Chris Almond said: “There’s an increased signal for wintry hazards as we move through the week as cold air from the north moves over the UK.

“It’s from Thursday that the snow risk becomes potentially impactful, as mild air attempts to move back in from the south, bumping into the cold air and increasing the chance of snow where the two systems meet. While there are still lots of details to work out, the initial snow risk looks highest in northern England and Wales from Thursday. 1-2cm is possible to low levels, with 10-20cm possible over the highest ground within the warning area. This snow is likely gradually change to sleet and rain later on from the south.”

The UK Health Security Agency has Cold-Health Alerts in force for parts of England from Wednesday, highlighting the possibility of significant impacts for the health and the social care sector.

Amy Shaw, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “Freezing conditions bring hazards such as snow and ice, so take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow lots of extra time when travelling to prepare for the unexpected.

Most read:

Grab our digital subscription for £3 for 3 months and stay connected with local happenings. Click here

“It is therefore always important to plan ahead for your journey, check the weather forecasts, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.”

National Highways also reminds motorists to keep TRIP in mind ahead of journeys – Top-up: oil, water, screenwash; Rest: rest every two hours; Inspect: Inspect tyres and lights and Prepare: check your route and the weather forecast.

When is the weather warning in place in the North East?

The weather warning for the region is in place from 6am on Thursday (February 8) until 6am on Friday (February 9).

What to Expect in the North East:

  • There is a chance that some rural communities could become cut off
  • There is a chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
  • There is a chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel

What time will snow fall in the North East?

According to the Met Office, snow is most likely to fall between 5pm on Thursday and 6am on Friday in the North East.

The Northern Echo:

This is backed up by weather service Wx Charts, which marks snow in the UK - which suggests between 5pm on Thursday and 6am on Friday as the most likely time for snow to fall.The Northern Echo:

What is the forecast for the week?

Today: After a frosty start, a largely fine day is expected with long sunny spells. Perhaps the odd shower is possible, most likely during the morning, but staying dry for many. Winds remain light, however feeling noticeably colder than in recent days. Maximum temperature 5 °C.

Tonight: A cold night, with clear spells at first, leading to a widespread frost. Staying dry, although high clouds will thicken from the south early Thursday. Minimum temperature -4 °C.

Thursday: Dry morning, before outbreaks of snow move into southern parts, although falling as rain to lowest levels at times. Accumulations are possible, particularly over hills. Northern parts dry until the evening. Maximum temperature 3 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Cloudy and windy Friday, with rain and snow, though snow is increasingly confined to hills. Milder Saturday and Sunday, and likely drier, although further spells of rain or showers remain possible.