Snow has already fallen, as might be expected, on the North York Moors, and there were reports of snow showers in Spennymoor, Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland this morning.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey told The Northern Echo: “There is a yellow warning for snow and ice in coastal areas of the North-East. There is currently a risk of snow and ice and wintry showers.

“We’re not expecting much of an accumulation of snow, but more a dusting and a perhaps a couple of centimetres towards the coast.

“However, there will be widespread ice and frost for most people, and we’re urging people to take care on untreated roads.”

She said temperatures could plunge to up to minus four or five degrees celsius in rural areas.

Other reports suggested there was ten cm of snow expected on the North York Moors and up to one centimetre at lower levels.

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council announced that due to adverse weather conditions, the Christmas lights switch-on in Redcar town centre on Thursday had been postponed.

Instead the town will be lit up in an event on Friday, December 8 from 5-7pm, with the switch-on at 6pm.

The coldest temperature recorded across the UK so far this autumn was -6.3 degrees celsius at Topcliffe, near Thirsk, on Saturday.

Public Health England has issued warnings to stay wrapped up and keep an eye on neighbours during the cold spell.

The Met Office said it the below-average temperatures were expected to last about ten days, with milder weather sweeping in next week.

However, Ms Maxey said it was difficult to tell what kind of a winter the UK would have, saying there were too many variables to accurately predict long range forecasts.

North Yorkshire Police posted a picture from the North York Moors on Facebook with the message: "There’s snow on the North Yorkshire Moors... ☃️❄️Be careful when travelling folks!"