FORECASTERS have warned people to expect a “wintry weekend” – with up to four inches of snow predicted to fall.

The heaviest of the snow is expected to hit the region on Sunday afternoon and continue to fall overnight, tailing off through Monday morning.

A mixture of rain, sleet and snow has also been predicted to fall today and tomorrow, with a yellow amber warning issued for Sunday and Monday.

Met Office forecaster Andy Bodenham said: “We can expect a wintry weekend. Up to 10cm (4ins) or a little bit more will fall in regions.

“It will start falling during the second half of Sunday, overnight, and ease off during Monday morning – which will be colder than Sunday.”

Mr Bodenham said to expect a maximum temperate of 3C (37F) and a minimum of -1C (30F) on Sunday – with a maximum of just 1C on Monday as temperatures struggle to stay above freezing.

Police have warned travellers over the weekend and Monday morning to take care on the roads and “expect the unexpected”.

A spokesman added: “If your journey is not essential then don’t travel. Snow covers road surfaces, covers holes and there could surface abnormalities.

“Ice can form on top of snow or vice versa. There could be unseen hazards which suddenly appear, so it’s essential to drive slow to allow substantial time for reaction.

“Drivers should slow down, avoid using the break as much as possible, and keep longer distances than normal from cars in front to allow plenty of room to stop.”