Met Office: Snow in County Durham and North Yorkshire

The warning covers the whole of the North East, Northumberland and North Yorkshire from 6am on Thursday (February 8) and 6am on Friday (February 9).

Snow has been spotted at Weardale Ski Club, near Daddry Shield, while snow cameras from Durham County Council have captured snow on the Durham Dales. 

Weardale Ski Club's hill (Image: WEARDALE SKI CLUB)

Meanwhile, snow has also been spotted in the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorks Moors on North Yorkshire County Council traffic cameras.

Jason Kelly is a Met Office Chief Meteorologist.

He said: “Cold across most areas away from the south of the UK, will be met by moisture-laden air spreading from the south. Where milder air encounters cold air, rain, sleet and snow will develop, bringing the risk of 2-5cm of snow in places, whilst some other areas see little or no snow."

A689 Lanehead (Image: DCC CAMERAS)

The UK Health Security Agency has Cold-Health Alerts in force for parts of England, highlighting the possibility of impacts on 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. 

Blakey Ridge in North Yorkshire (Image: NYCC CAMERAS)

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

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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. 

Here is the general weather forecast for Durham, Darlington and North Yorkshire: 

Today: Sunny start. Cloud thickening, with rain and snow into southern parts from mid-morning. Snow likely over modest high ground, heavy at times, but a rain and snow mix at low levels. Northern parts dry until late afternoon. Becoming windy. Maximum temperature 4 °C.

Tonight: Outbreaks of rain and snow continue overnight, increasingly turning to rain at low levels, but still snowing over higher ground. Windy, exacerbating the cold feel. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

Friday: Rain and snow continuing through much of the day, but snow becoming confined to the highest ground, with rain for most. Wind gradually easing. Maximum temperature 6 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Milder through this period, with further spells of rain or showers, heavy at times. Risk of snow over high ground, mainly in the north, on Sunday and Monday. Light winds.