Snow has been in the air with heavy snow forecast for this evening.

A weather warning for snow, issued by the Met Office, remains in force for parts of Dorset until midnight.

The weather alert states: “Frequent snow showers may lead to travel disruption in places. Some places are likely to miss the showers altogether.”

More snow showers are forecast this evening, so residents could be waking up to the white stuff tomorrow morning.

Temperatures across Dorset are going to remain cold today with highs of two degrees, with lows of -3 degrees forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The weather warning warns of travel disruption in some areas, the likelihood of icy patches on roads, and potential injuries caused by slips and falls on icy surfaces.

In terms of what to expect, the Met Office says:

Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services. Small chance of longer travel delays in places with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel.

Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces

Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths

There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off

There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected

Meanwhile, Public Health England (PHE) is reminding people how to stay warm and well and to look out for those more vulnerable in the cold weather.

Wintry conditions are expected to bring temperatures much lower than usual for February and for a typical winter season.

People more vulnerable to the health impacts of cold weather include older people aged over 65 years, people who are frail or socially isolated, those with pre-existing chronic medical conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory conditions and people with mental health conditions or learning difficulties.

To help protect vulnerable groups during very cold weather, PHE is giving some important health reminders:

  1. Try to keep you home heated to at least 18°Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit. Below this temperature, changes to the body mean that the risk of heart attacks, stokes and chest infections increases.
  2. If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep.
  3. Keep your bedroom windows closed on a winter’s night; breathing cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.
  4. Wearing a few layers of thin clothing is more effective at trapping heat than wearing just one thick layer. Clothes made from cotton, wool or fleecy fibres are particularly good for maintaining body heat.
  5. Keep moving if you can. Try not to sit for more than an hour – get up and walk around, make a hot drink and spread housework throughout the day.
  6. Make sure you have food and drinks and any medications you need so you don’t have to go outside in the cold.
  7. Food is a vital source of energy and helps to keep your body warm so have plenty of hot food and drinks.
  8. If you must go outside, wear shoes with a good grip to prevent slips and injury.
  9. Drawing your curtains at dusk and tucking them behind radiators helps keep heat inside.
  10. Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.
  11. If you have an electric blanket, use it as instructed and get it tested every three years. Never use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket.
  12. Do not use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home; it is inefficient and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning which can kill.
  13. If you are not on mains gas or electricity make sure you have a supply of heating oil, LPG or solid fuel during cold weather.
  14. Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency & National grants to help with energy bills: 0800 444202 simpleenergyadvice.org.uk
  15. Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast for your area.