Freezing conditions sweeping in off the North Sea are forecast to bring widespread snowfall across Suffolk and Essex this weekend – just a fortnight after the chaos of the “Beast from the East”.

Forecasters from Weatherquest say the mild conditions of recent days are expected to turn far colder from Friday onwards when much of East Anglia could see enough snowfall to settle.

Weatherquest’s Richard Jones said temperatures on Friday would struggle to get above 6C before falling sharply overnight into Saturday when a band of snowfall was forecast to hit the region.

“It’s difficult to say exactly where it might fall but I think it’s reasonable to suggest most places will see some snow showers during the day on Saturday,” he added.

“High temperatures are going to struggle to get above 2C compared to averages of around 11C.

East Anglian Daily Times: The streets of Ipswich covered in snow after being hit by the Beast from the East. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe streets of Ipswich covered in snow after being hit by the Beast from the East. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“With easterly winds, there’s a risk of showers coming in from the North Sea and we may see an accumulation of snow across East Anglia.

“Coastal regions are likely to get the brunt of it but that’s not to say we won’t get some further inland too.”

The cold weather and snowfall are not expected to be as severe as conditions earlier this month when the “Beast from the East” brought widespread chaos with blizzard conditions leaving many roads impassable, closing schools and bringing public transport grinding to a halt.

The latest spell is expected to continue through Sunday and into the beginning of next week.

Milder temperatures are forecast to return towards the end of next week but this will be accompanied by more unsettled conditions and rain.

Today and tomorrow are expected to remain mild, with some spells of sunshine throughout much of Wednesday.