SNOW is coming to the Bradford district earlier than expected, with the first flaked predicted to fall tomorrow afternoon.

The yellow weather warning for snow, which was originally in place for Tuesday, will now run from 2pm on Monday, and last until midnight on Wednesday.

Temperatures are expected to barely climb above freezing this week, with wind-chill making it feel much colder.

The Met Office's warning says: "Snow showers, already affecting eastern parts of England early on Monday, are expected to become more persistent and more widespread through Monday afternoon and evening.

"There is the potential for travel delays on roads, stranding of some vehicles and passengers, as well as delays or cancellations to rail and air travel.

"Some rural communities could become cut off. Power cuts may also occur and other services, such as mobile phones, may be affected."

The chief forecaster added: "Snow showers, which will have been affecting eastern areas of England from Sunday night, are likely to become heavier, more frequent and more widespread through Monday afternoon.

"There is the potential for accumulations of five to 10 centimetres in places, while nearby locations may see much less frequent showers and only small accumulations of zero to two centimetres.

"Further snow showers are expected through Tuesday. There is the potential for five to 10cm of snow in places though nearby locations may see only small accumulations of zero to two cm.

"Strong winds may lead to drifting of lying snow (and severe wind chill) especially over hills.

"On Wednesday, showers will bring a large variation in amounts of snow across even small areas with some places seeing very little snow.

"There is the potential for 10 to15cm of snow in places where showers become more frequent whilst nearby locations may see much less frequent showers and only small accumulations of one to three cm in places."

A tweet from Bradford Council said: "Our gritters will be out on their routes from 5am tomorrow morning.

"Gritters are patrolling tonight and reporting back if conditions change, we are keeping a close check on changing weather over the next few days."