THE Met Office has issued a new warning for snow in Bradford tomorrow.

Experts have upgraded their assessment of the likelihood of snow in the morning from yellow to amber.

Forecasters say the district should be braced for snow from 4am tomorrow morning - and the weather warning will remain in place until 11am.

There is now a 80 per cent chance of heavy snow during the rush hour from 8am until 10am.

This afternoon the Met Office's threat matrix said the chances of snow falling in Bradford between 3am and 3pm is 'very likely'.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

WARNING: The Met Office map showing the areas with the greatest likelihood of snow

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "A weather system is expected to bring a spell of snow to parts of the UK on Friday.

"The heaviest snowfall is expected across parts of northern England where accumulations of 5-10 cm are likely, with up to 15 cm possible over higher ground."

And even if it doesn't snow at lower levels, weathermen say drivers should beware icy roads.

Nationwide Arctic air hovering across the UK will cause the mercury to plummet on Thursday night, with temperatures below minus 13C (8.6F) expected in parts of Scotland.

A yellow warning of snow has been issued for the East Midlands and the north of England for Friday morning, but the Met Office has since warned this could be extended.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said there could also be an area within this warning that may be upgraded to amber, and said up to 10cm of snow could fall.

She said it is "probably central areas of England" that will be affected by the heaviest snowfall as the working week comes to a close.

But Ms Maxey warned the country could see the "coldest night of the year so far" before the snow blankets parts of the country.

"The coldest temperature we have seen this year is minus 13C in Scotland, and we are likely to see temperatures slightly below that," she added.

"But we are not talking about those extremes in the town and city centres, it is out in rural areas, more exposed areas, particularly over lying snow where you see temperatures drop the most."

Across the motorways and major roads, a spokesman for Highways England said there were "no problems" and in anticipation of overnight ice, the gritters had been out.

He advised motorists to drive to the conditions, to make sure they have enough fuel and screen wash, and that their tyre treads are in good shape.