SLEET and snow showers are expected to fall across the region over the next two days and temperatures are set to halve by Thursday.

The Met Office has issued a yellow ‘be aware’ warning for snow over both days, although the worst is expected to fall across the north west of the country which bears the brunt of the cold front.

Wind speeds are expected to pick up tonight (Tuesday, January 27) and bring snow and sleet showers from the west on Wednesday and Thursday.

Temperatures in the North-East and North Yorkshire are expected to be a relatively mild 10C tomorrow (Wednesday) morning but they will fall as the day progresses and Thursday will be much colder with highs around 5C.

Meteogroup forecaster John Griffiths said: “The cold front will push down temperatures and bring a real change, it will feel much colder.

“There will be cold wintry showers blown across from the west and there will definitely be snow over higher ground, particularly to the west.”

Health organisations have warned vulnerable and elderly residents to stay indoors if possible during the worst of the weather and motorists are being advised to plan their routes carefully.