Three days of snow and ice warnings issued for the South
The first could affect journeys home from work this evening (Monday 6th)
Just hours after a previous alert for heavy rain ended, the South has been hit with two fresh yellow weather warnings for snow and ice over the coming days.
The Met Office's first alert, which covers inland areas of Dorset and much of Hampshire, comes into effect at 5pm tonight (Monday 6th) and lasts until 10am on Tuesday.
Forecasters have said a drop in temperatures could lead to icy stretches forming on roads which have already been affected by heavy rainfall over the weekend.
They've also warned of 'frequent' sleet or snow showers during that time.
That warning is followed by a second one covering all of Hampshire and West Sussex, much of Dorset and the northern half of the Isle of Wight between 9am and midnight on Wednesday (January 8th).
Motorists are being told to watch for difficult conditions on roads, as well as the possibility of delays to rail and air travel and a small chance of power cuts.
What are forecasters saying?
A Met Office spokesperson said:
"Icy stretches are expected to develop this evening, due to ongoing wet surfaces following earlier rain and, in places, snowmelt. Frequent sleet or snow showers are also expected to affect Wales and parts of northwest England this evening, moving into southwest England, the Midlands and parts of southern England in the early hours of Tuesday.
"In addition to the ice, these are likely to produce snow accumulations of a few cm above 200 metres, with a small chance of greater than 5 cm above 200 metres in Wales.
"The heaviest snow showers may also produce temporary accumulations of 0-2 cm at low levels."
Speaking about the second warning, they added:
"Whilst not all areas may be affected, outbreaks of snow may push in from the southwest during Wednesday, potentially giving some significant accumulations in places. 2-5 cm of snow could accumulate fairly widely, and as much as 10 cm over higher ground, especially over east or northeast-facing slopes.
"Rain or sleet is more likely near coasts. Note that there is still a possibility that the weather system, and associated rain or snow, may remain further south across the English Channel.
As precipitation clears eastwards and skies clear during Wednesday night, ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces."
Rayo Premium