YORK and North Yorkshire are set for a sudden cold snap later this week - with a continuing risk of a return of the 'Beast from the East' later this month.

Forecasters say temperatures are likely to fall from a relatively mild 11C tomorrow to 9C on Wednesday and then plunge to a maximum of just 4C on Thursday and 3C on Friday and Saturday, with frost at night.

Next week should continue chilly, with a possibility of sleet or snow at times, and forecasters say the highest risk of any severe wintry weather will come in late January and early February when bitterly cold easterlies could set in.