Easter weekend is set to be dampened by outbreaks of heavy rain - but forecasters believe Cumbria will escape any snow.

Some weather experts had tentatively predicted a third version of the Beast from the East would strike over the bank holiday weekend, bringing with it Siberian conditions.

The original Beast hit the county earlier this month and its heavy snow closed roads and cut off communities.

But now, forecasters think that Cumbria - and the rest of the UK - are more likely to be hit by rain.

Amy Hodgson, of The Weather Channel, said: “Early indications show it is likely to be an unsettled Easter weekend with low pressure set to dominate bringing outbreaks of rain, with snow across higher levels.

“On Friday, low pressure is forecast to be centred to the south-west of the British Isles, bringing spells of heavy rain, with thunder possible. Snow will fall across the Scottish Highlands.”

The wintry conditions are set to gradually kick in as the week progresses but the chill will not be as bad as the Beast.