Snow has fallen across the North East, covering parts of the region in a blanket of white. The Met Office had previously warned that winter conditions were inbound, including frost and ice forming overnight, but had not explicitly forecast snow.
Now it looks like the cold is here to stay for a while as weather maps show that despite sunny conditions temperatures will struggle to rise above freezing. The Met Office says that very cold conditions will continue throughout the week.
Blustery wintery showers are likely to affect coastal areas, but inland is expected to stay somewhat dry. With even colder temperatures throughout the night, frosts are likely with a higher risk of ice, too.
Read more: North East snow LIVE: Updates as region wakes up to blanket of snow amid weather warning
Towards the weekend, the Met Office says that we can expect more rain and a further chance of snow across central and northern areas, mainly on high ground. It adds that into next week, unsettled conditions are likely to persist.
Weather monitoring website WXCharts has indicated that the cold temperatures throughout the week will struggle above freezing. Its maps show the majority of the UK sitting around zero degrees, with northern parts of Scotland nearing minus 10C.
As a result of the drop in temperatures, a level three cold weather alert has been issued. The cold weather health watch system operates in association with the UK Health Security Agency. Level three, the current level, means that this weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.
The UKSHA advises people to look out for their friends and family, especially those who may be vulnerable to the cold, and ensure they have access to warm food, warm drinks and are managing to heat their homes. “Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over,” they add.
Those who are at risk of cold-related illnesses or falls are advised to avoid exposing themselves to cold and icy conditions. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, advice can be obtained from the winter health section of the NHS website, call 111 or your local pharmacist.
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