COLD wintry weather conditions were set to continue this weekend, weather experts warned.

However, a temporary reprieve is expected next week before a further cold snap hits the York area next weekend.

Motorists travelling from the East Coast towards York today told how the roads were passable only with care, with a couple of inches of snow creating hazardous conditions.

A spokesman at the PA Weather Centre said the snow along the coast and on the North York Moors would probably clear by Monday.

The York area could expect cold and wintry conditions this weekend with scattered rain, sleet and possibly snow showers, although snow was unlikely to settle.

Temperatures were expected to stall at 5 Celsius and there would be a sharp frost overnight.

Tomorrow would be mostly dry with temperatures reaching 6 Celsius.

During the coming week, temperatures are expected to recover to the seasonal average of 8 Celsius before cold northerly conditions hit the region next weekend, particularly coastal areas where more snow could be expected.

Updated: 10:17 Saturday, March 05, 2005