Weather maps show exact time snow is predicted to hit North East as temperatures plunge on Monday

A weather map has shown just when snow and sleet is expected to hit the North East.

The WXCharts map shows a band of snow, marked in purple, arriving from the west on the afternoon of Monday, November 18, and then hitting the UK around 3pm. It arrives in the North East from 6pm and by 9pm the region is expected to see heavy sleet or snow in many areas.

The purple band remains in the North East till midnight before it appears to recede. However, snow or sleet appears to return along the east coast on Tuesday at around 6am, predicting wintry showers in coastal areas during the morning.

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The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice saying "an area of snow may bring disruption to a central swathe of the UK during Monday night and Tuesday morning." The alert also covers the North East.

The forecasters say: "A period of rain, sleet and snow will occur during Monday evening, overnight into Tuesday morning. The most likely scenario is for most of the snow to accumulate on hills, with 5 to 10 cm possible above 200 metres and perhaps as much as 15 to 20 cm above 300 metres.

"There is a small chance of snow settling at lower levels, where 5 to 10 cm would prove much more disruptive, but this remains very uncertain. As rain, sleet and snow clear on Tuesday morning, ice may form on untreated surfaces."

North East weather forecast

Monday:

A fine and frosty start will lead into a colder day than of late. Plenty of sunshine is expected, although turning hazy later in the afternoon. Breezy in coastal districts to emphasise the cold, although wintry showers should remain offshore. Maximum temperature 4°C.

Monday night:

A swathe of sleet and snow should sweep southeast overnight, with some heavy snow over the Pennines and south especially. Clearer later, with icy patches and severe frost for many. Minimum temperature -6°C.

Tuesday:

Cloud and snow clearing to blustery wintry showers, mainly affecting coasts. Sunny but cold, windy too in coastal districts, where further sleet and snow may follow into the evening. Maximum temperature 3°C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Bright but bitter with sunshine and periods of brisk northerly winds bringing mainly coastal wintry showers. Some further ice and snow possible, with severe overnight frosts.