SLEET or snow could be seen in coastal areas of Dorset “for a time” this weekend.

Bournemouth-based forecaster Dorset Snow said there is the potential for wintry showers on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Posting on his blog, Dorset Snow said: “There is currently a real lack of any snow being modelled, but I do have my eyes on Saturday.

“A few models show a trough crossing the English Channel on Saturday night/Sunday morning and this could bring some sleet or snow to coastal areas for a time.”

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It comes amid a very cold spell which is sweeping the country with temperatures plunging to minus 7C in parts of Dorset on Wednesday night.

On Thursday night, minus 8C or minus 9C was predicted for rural areas.

Earlier this week, forecasters said weather models were showing potential for significant snowfall next week.

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Bournemouth Echo: Picture: Dorset Snow/Met Desk Picture: Dorset Snow/Met Desk (Image: Picture: Dorset Snow/Met Desk)

Giving an update, Dorset Snow said: "The current general consensus is that the low will slide to the south of the UK and therefore the cold spell is likely to continue well into the middle of December.

"This does, however mean that the risk of battleground snow is greatly reduced if the low slides too far south.

"There still does remain an outside chance of widespread, heavy snow, but I would put this risk at about 30 per cent."

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In summary, he said there is a "small chance" of sleet or snow for coastal areas on Saturday/Sunday.

He said an area of low pressure could still produce heavy snow next week, but we are "currently expecting it to fizzle out or slide into France."

The cold spell is expected to last until at least December 16 or 17 with "ongoing wintry potential until then".