PREDICTED snow showers arrived today with more of the big chill forecast for the next few days.Weather forecasters have warned the late-winter cold snap could last throughout next week, with a possibility of up to 4cms of snow in the region.

PREDICTED snow showers arrived today with more of the big chill forecast for the next few days.

Weather forecasters have warned the late-winter cold snap could last throughout next week, with a possibility of up to 4cms of snow in the region.

High pressure over Scandinavia is being blamed for the arrival of the cold air to the British Isles.

Evening Star weatherman Ken Blower said: "Early next week we will have the coldest spell so far this winter and it's really a case of winter making a late appearance.

"For the first time this year we are going to have several days of easterly winds and they're going to bring in very cold weather and showers of snow after the weekend.

"Today may see some showers of sleet, snow or hail but the chief cold spell will begin on Monday. The highest temperature will be 3C (36F) and the cold spell will go on most of the week."

He added: "A fairly large area of the continent has been very cold for a couple of weeks and it looks as if some cold air will spread across the North Sea and into East Anglia."

The Highways Agency has advised drivers to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they set out and during their journey.

And the NHS is calling on people to take care and spend the next two days preparing for the cold spell.

Dr Tony Jewell, director of Public Health and clinical director for the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority, said: "We tend to be complacent about cold weather in this country. We shouldn't underestimate the impact the cold can have on our health. Our advice to people is be prepared. Don't wait for Monday"