Met Office weather: Snow set for County Durham on WXCharts

While we're heading for a naturally colder spell across the UK, given that it's already October, weather charts have shown that temperatures could drop and a dusting of snow is possible in County Durham, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, and Cumbria. 

WXCharts, which is used to document weather types, including snow, rain, heatwaves, hurricanes, and other weather categories, has shown that snow patches could cover certain areas of County Durham - especially those that are high up, and rural parts of the region. 

On the map, which is tagged to this story, the purple patches show that snow could fall on October 11 along the edge of County Durham, while also covering some parts of the wider North East. 

The WXChart map that suggests it may snow in the region (Image: WXCHARTS) Despite WXCharts indicating that snow could fall on October 11, Met Office has had its say on whether snow could fall. 

On its long-term forecast between October 7 and October 16 for County Durham, Met Office say: "An Atlantic low-pressure system will drift eastwards across the UK through the first part of next week.

"This will bring widely unsettled conditions, with showers or longer spells of rain, heavy and persistent at times, especially over hills.

"Strong winds are possible too, with exposed and windward coastal areas prone to the strongest winds.

"The theme of low pressure will continue to dominate the weather for the rest of the week, with showers or longer spells of rain.

"There is a possibility that a deeper low-pressure system, ex-Hurricane Kirk, will move close to the UK around mid-week, bringing further spells of wet and windy weather.

"Alternatively, this system could remain to the west of the UK. However, the theme of unsettled weather is expected to prevail."

In case it does snow across the region, councils have been preparing with news that gritters are on hand to deal with a drop in temperatures. 

A gritter on the roads of the region (Image: MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL) In Teesside, Middlesbrough’s gritting fleet is ready for action ahead of the first cold snap of the season, according to the council.

Last year the teams used around 4,500 tonnes of road salt during 56 planned gritting operations.

For the forthcoming winter season 4,000 tonnes are once again available in the barn at Cargo Fleet and, as in previous years, further stocks will be available from Boulby if required.

The gritter fleet is currently at six, with five vehicles for the Priority Routes and one spare on standby to cover breakdowns and maintenance or to provide additional cover in severe conditions.

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Salt bins will again be deployed to ensure minor routes are kept clear, while extra resources will also be made available to ensure town centre roads and pavements remain safe and passable.

Councillor Peter Gavigan, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Environment, said: “Every year our brilliant gritting crews keep our vital road network clear and safe over the winter months.

“October and November are currently looking warmer than the average for this time of year, but they’ll be on standby around the clock to ensure we’re ready for whatever the weather can throw at us.”