HEAVY snow has been forecast in BCP today as a cold snap hits the region.

The Met Office says snow will fall this afternoon and it has issued an ice weather warning from 3pm today until 3am on Tuesday.

Currently light rain is predicted at 1pm today, followed by sleet at 2pm, then snowfall between 3pm and 10pm.

Live updates: Heavy snow forecast for BCP as temperatures plunge

The needle will drop to zero degrees celsius overnight, with a 'feels like' temperature of -5c in Bournemouth.

It is set to get even colder on Tuesday, night, when the temperature will drop to -1c.

Bournemouth Echo:

The Met Office warning says that surfaces could get slippy due to an accumulation of ice, especially on untreated roads.

Residents are being urged to be aware that conditions will be inhospitable.

Temperatures will get slightly warmer at the weekend, with a high temperature of 6c expected.

A Met Office forecast for the south west area, rather than specifically BCP, says: 

Today:

Generally dry with sunny spells, but a few sleet or snow flurries are possible, mainly in eastern counties, but perhaps more widely later. Feeling cold in the brisk easterly winds. Maximum temperature 5 °C.

Tonight:

Scattered sleet or snow flurries pushing westwards this evening, perhaps giving a light dusting in places. Turning mainly dry and frosty later. Feeling very cold in the strengthening easterly winds. Minimum temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday:

Any early wintry flurries clearing Cornwall, leaving a dry day with increasing amounts of sunshine. The brisk easterly wind will make it feel raw and like it's below freezing. Maximum temperature 4 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Staying generally dry. Plenty of sunshine on Wednesday and Thursday but still rather windy. Cold with overnight frosts at first, but turning somewhat less cold and cloudier by Friday.