THE levels of the River Ouse dropped yesterday, but flood warnings remain in place with unsettled weather forecast for over the weekend.

Yesterday afternoon, the level of the Ouse at the Viking Recorder in York city centre was 3.3 metres above normal summer levels and it was expected to remain above 3 metres for the rest of the day. The river had reached 3.6 metres on Thursday.

The forecast for the region today is cloudy with spells of heavy rain spreading north during the morning. Rain is expected to ease from western areas during the afternoon. There will be a maximum temperature of 11C.

Tomorrow is expected to be fairly cloudy with rain likely and a maximum temperature of 12C.

Flood warnings remain in place for the Ouse at York riverside properties, the Ouse at St George`s Field and Queen`s Staith and the Ouse at Naburn Lock, south of York.

Warnings are also in force for the River Derwent at Buttercrambe Mill and the Derwent at Stamford Bridge, with The Weir Caravan Park and Kexby Bridge the areas of concern.

Meanwhile, less severe flood alerts are in place for the Upper River Ouse in and around York and the Lower River Nidd, with the alert area covering Tockwith and Moor Monkton.

There is an alert in place for the Tidal River Wharfe. The area covered by the alert includes Tadcaster.

An alert is also in force for the Tidal River Ouse, and the area covered by the alert includes Selby.

In addition, there is an alert in place for the Lower River Derwent as levels remain high around Buttercrambe, Elvington, Stamford Bridge and all low lying land along the riverside.

The EA said an alert remains in place for the River Rye due to high levels around Howe Bridge near Malton.

An alert for the Upper River Derwent also remains in force due to high river levels on the River Rye at Howe Bridge and the River Derwent at Malton.

North Yorkshire County Council confirmed that Dalton Bridge near Thirsk was reopened yesterday morning. It had been closed due to high river levels.

Meanwhile, the C177 at Buttercrambe Bridge was closed yesterday due to flooding of the road.