THE Met Office has warned there will be widespread frost overnight as the country faces a cold spell prior to the Easter weekend.

Overnight, the North West could experience "widespread frost" and fog in some places.

Forecasters have also warned that the south east could be hit by snow, hail and sleet at the weekend.

The lower temperatures will be caused by cloud coming in from the North Sea and an icy Scandinavian wind.

The Met Office reported that the weather would stay "clear, dry and cold" overnight but residents should expected "widespread frost by morning and perhaps a few fog patches in some prone spots.

They predicted minimum temperatures of -5C in parts of the North West.

Thursday is expected to be "a mainly fine and dry day with clear skies for many." While there may be some cloud in the afternoon, it is likely to stay dry.

Predictions between Friday and Sunday include "cold weather and widespread frost at night", sunshine on Friday and cloud on Sunday.