Periods of rain, showers and windy weather are set to hit the region over the weekend ahead of many of the North East's Christmas light switch-on events.

The Met Office have predicted heavy rain during the early hours of Saturday (November 18) morning, followed by persistent rain throughout the rest of the morning.

Earlier in the evening, the forecaster predicts cloud will encroach from the west, while the temperature will reach a minimum of  4 °C.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "A dry but chilly start with some clear spells.

"Cloud encroaching from the west through the evening, followed by persistent and occasionally heavy rain during the early hours.

"Winds strengthening, feeling especially fresh along the coasts."

The forecaster also noted residents can expect blustery showers, some heavy, and some cloudy and windy weather on Sunday (November 19).

It added the day will reach a maximum temperature of 13 °C.

An official festive light switch-on will take place in Centre Square in Middlesbrough on Sunday (November 19).

While Darlington’s annual Christmas light switch-on will also take place on the same day from 4pm until 5:30pm on the Market Square.

Meanwhile, the weather will turn drier on Monday (November 20) with the clouds making way for some brighter weather.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "Persistent rain with heavier outbreaks at first, this becoming patchier through the morning.

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"Some brightness mixed with blustery showers by the afternoon. Windy throughout.

"Blustery showers, some heavy, with variable cloud Sunday, and remaining windy.

"Drier with some brightness Monday and mainly fine on Tuesday with light winds."