SNOW, freezing conditions and sub-zero temperatures have been warned across the North East and North Yorkshire, with some places seeing -2c.

A cold weather alert is in place for much of the North East and North Yorkshire and severe icy conditions and potentially heavy snow from midnight tonight into lunchtime on Thursday.

There are also snow, ice and wind warnings are in place in parts of Northern Scotland.

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The news comes as warm winds from the mid-Atlantic meant temperatures hovered around the 16c mark in parts of the UK at the turn of the year, making it the warmest New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day on record.

The Met Office has warned that Tuesday will feel “significantly colder than recent days” with a maximum temperature of 4c.

Looking ahead to for Wednesday to Friday, the weather-forecaster has predicted cold, strong winds, rain and “brief snow” for both Wednesday and Friday

The long-range forecast between Friday January 7 and Sunday January 16 reads: “Unsettled conditions are set to dominate this period, with sunshine and showers, possibly falling as hail or snow away from coasts initially.

“Windy for all, the strongest in the west, with gales or locally severe gales, and lighter winds expected elsewhere.

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“Feeling rather cold at the start of the period. Through the later part of this period, a continuation of the rather changeable regime is expected with spells of wet and windy weather, however these are interspersed by drier, brighter periods.

“Likely to be wettest in the west and northwest, with the driest conditions in the east and southeast.

“Overall, temperatures are expected to be near to average, although some temporary colder periods are also likely.”

According to the weather forecaster, Darlington could see temperatures as low as -2c on Thursday January 6.

Met Office chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong, said: “Following an exceptionally mild spell, temperatures are set to drop for many in the north of England from late on Monday and into Tuesday.

“This drop in temperatures will spread further south later on Tuesday.

“This change is being brought on by a cold northerly flow, which brings with it the risk of some wintry showers in places in northern England, especially over high ground.

“Minimum temperatures over the next few days are expected to drop below freezing, heightening the risk of some ice formation.”

The UK Health Security Agency urged people to check on vulnerable members of the public in the coming days, including the elderly and those with serious illness.

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UKHSA consultant Agostinho Sousa said: “Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.”

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