RESIDENTS are being warned of “very cold air” which will sweep across Dorset over the next two days. 

Low temperatures of up to –6C could be hitting parts of Dorset by Friday morning, with rural areas being affected the most with the cold snap. 

Weather forecaster Dorset Snow said the risk of snow is “relatively low”, adding: “I do have my eyes on a little feature which is expected to sink southwards on Thursday afternoon.  

“This feature could provide a few showers, and these would likely fall as snow for almost everyone on Thursday night.  

Bournemouth Echo: Dorset SnowDorset Snow (Image: Dorset Snow)

Read more: Met Office issues weather alert for cold and icy conditions

“The details are uncertain for now, but certainly don't expect accumulating snow.” 

On Wednesday morning, temperatures are expected to be between 1C and –1C. 

The warning comes as an amber level 3 alert, which urges for ‘severe weather action’, will be in place from 6pm on Wednesday, December 7, until 9am on Monday, December 12. 

The warning, which is triggered by the Met Office, covers the whole of England including the south west and says there is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions. 

The warning reads: “Rather cold conditions are expected to turn colder across much of the UK later Wednesday and through Thursday as air from the Arctic spreads south across the country. 

“Very cold nights are expected, with widespread frosts and potentially severe frosts. 

"Daytime temperatures persisting near or just above freezing, with overnight temperatures continuing to trend downwards. 

“Wintry showers are also likely to affect some coasts, perhaps pushing into some inland areas at times, bringing a risk of icy patches.”