Rare weather phenomenon could hit parts of northern England this weekend

Parts of northern England could see rare freezing rain along with snow and sleet this weekend, according to forecasters.

Up to two inches of snow could fall over higher ground and freezing rain is possible, according to the Met Office, with people told to expect some travel disruption.

Freezing rain, a rare phenomenon in the UK, forms when super-cooled rain droplets freeze on contact with cold surfaces, creating a layer of ice.

A yellow snow and ice warning will be in place across the North East, Cumbria and Yorkshire between 6am and 2pm today (Saturday), the Met Office said on Friday.

There is also the chance of snow over higher ground in Scotland and some heavy rain over parts of southern Wales and south-west England, the forecaster added.

Met Office meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “Through Saturday the rain will move further east and as it does it’ll bump into the colder air, meaning some snow is likely, mainly for parts of northern England, covered by the snow and ice warning.

“Two to five centimetres is possible over the Cheviots and North Yorkshire Moors, and it’s possible we could see some localised accumulations to lower levels.

“Some freezing rain could affect higher parts of the Pennines for a time too, leading to icy conditions. Some snow is possible outside the warning area, although amounts are likely to be small.”