Forecasters say torrential rain which has caused chaos and misery across the north-east is finally at an end.
Although the weather is expected to turn colder this week, conditions will also be drier.
The forecast will be good news for those who have had their lives devastated by a week of rain which has destroyed homes and brought transport to a standstill.
Frost, sleet and hill snow are expected to pepper the north-east in the coming days but showers are not expected to be prolonged or heavy.
Met office forecaster Peter Sloss, said: “It is going to be far drier.
“There will not be any rain like we have seen in the past couple of weeks.
“It will not be completely dry, there will be some showers around, but nothing heavy.
“Although it is going to be colder, it will be drier and that is good news.”
Overnight temperatures are expected to plunge below freezing in some areas with frost in places as well as a risk of icy patches.
Daytime highs will be around 3-5C – just below average for the time of year.
Although there will be some snow showers around throughout the week, most will fall on higher ground.
There is also a good chance of some bright and sunny spells.
Mr Sloss added:Â “There will be an easterly wind bringing some showers up to the north-east.
“We will certainly see some snow on higher ground over the next few days and sleet at lower levels but there will be nothing like we have had – nothing heavy or prolonged.