Here's when it could snow in Leeds as cold weather alert issued

This level 2 alert covers Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, North East and the West Midlands.

The Met Office alert said: “There is a 60% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 0900 on Thursday 03 Jan and 0000 on Saturday 05 Jan in parts of England.”

This week’s forecast

Tonight in Leeds “Some clear spells are possible overnight, with frost likely by the morning, along with very isolated mist or fog patches,” said the Met Office.

Temperatures could dip to as low as -1C in Leeds and as low as -3 in some areas of Yorkshire.

Friday will be “A rather cloudy and cold day. Some brighter or sunny spells are possible, although cloud is likely to thicken later, especially across some western areas.

“Winds remaining light. Maximum temperature 5 °C. Dry, cold, Saturday, with variable cloud and sunny spells.”

Snow on the horizon

The Met Office outlook from Friday 18 to Friday 1 Feb explains: “Most of the UK is likely to start this period with predominantly wet and windy weather, and a chance of heavy rain and gales at times, especially in the north.

The Met Office explain that snow is also possible in the north of England, including Leeds, during this period.

“Hill snow is also possible, as well as snow to lower levels at times in the north. In the south though, the weather is likely to be on the mild side.

Towards the end of January, however, there is an increased likelihood of a change to much colder weather generally, bringing an enhanced risk of frost, fog and snow.”

“This cold spell is by no means certain though, and in any case, some milder, wet and windy interludes are likely during this period.”