Snow could be on the way next week as temperatures fall from the mild conditions experienced so far this winter.

Forecasters predict that sleet and snow showers are mostly likely to hit on Thursday and Friday – with a chance the weekend will be affected as well.

Chris Bell from Weatherquest added he expects freezing overnight conditions too. “It will be chillier than it has been for most of the winter and late autumn,” he said.

“There is potential for sleet or snow showers at the end of the week. We will have high temperatures in the week of 5-7C (41F-44.6F) across the region which is about average for this time of year. We will then have lower temperatures overnight, about freezing or just above.”

This winter has been exceptionally mild so far, with temperatures way above average for this time of year. Temperatures on Christmas Day for parts of the region came to a comparatively warm 11-13C (51.8-55F).