Snow could be heading for Dorset

The Met Office said that although temperatures would be just above freezing, it would feel colder because of a brisk easterly wind.

Local authorities have said they are keeping a watchful eye on weather forecasts in case they need to send gritters out.

The last cold snap on January 21 caught many drivers unprepared, with numerous accidents because of black ice, and several rural roads closed by police for re-gritting.

On Saturday, temperatures were expected to stay at around three Celsius until noon, rising to 6C for most of the day, with dry sunny weather but gusts of wind touching gale force.

The temperature will fall back to around three degrees overnight with gusts rising to 43mph.

On Sunday and Monday, temperatures will be just above freezing at around 2C, falling to –3 overnight on Sunday and –2C on Monday night.

Snowfall and sleet are predicted for during the day on Monday and throughout the rest of the week, with highs around 6C in daytime and zero degrees at night.

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A Met Office spokesman said: “So far, the UK winter has been the coldest for over a decade. The last time winter temperatures were lower was in 1996 to 1997.

“Met Office forecasters expect the cold theme to the weather to continue well into next week with the chance of further snow.”

Stuart Best, area manager for street services at Bournemouth council, said: “Our engineers receive a weather report on a daily basis and will only know on the day if the gritter lorries are required.

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