A COLD weather alert has been issued across the south of England by the Met Office.

Sussex, London and Essex are among the areas covered by warning, which advises people to “alert and ready” for the cold weather.

The Met Office website states: “Prolonged periods of cold weather can be dangerous, especially for older people, those with underlying health conditions, and young children.

The Argus: Sussex, London and Essex are among the areas covered by warning, which advises people to “alert and ready” for the cold weather.Sussex, London and Essex are among the areas covered by warning, which advises people to “alert and ready” for the cold weather.

“If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support. Stock up foods and medicines so you do not have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy.

“When indoors, stay warm, heat homes to at least 18°C, and keep up-to-date with the weather forecast.”

The weather alert warns there is a 60 per cent probability of "severe cold weather and icy conditions" in the affected areas.

The Argus: Sussex, London and Essex are among the areas covered by warning, which advises people to “alert and ready” for the cold weather.Sussex, London and Essex are among the areas covered by warning, which advises people to “alert and ready” for the cold weather.

A Met Office forecast for the UK said there would be some snow over the next couple of days, but it would mostly be confined to northern England and Scotland.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “As we go into the overnight period temperatures will start to drop and in some of the sheltered glens in Scotland we could see minus 10C or even colder temperatures recorded. Across the UK there is not going to be many places that will remain above freezing.

“Tomorrow we will start to get this weather front coming in from the west. We are going to see that moisture-laden air coming in, bumping into this cold air and whenever you get that you tend to get transient snow. It’s likely to last for one or two hours.”

Forecasters say the snow may cause some travel disruption over higher routes during the day with two to five centimetres likely above heights of 200 to 300 metres, and 10 to 15cm above 400 metres.

In Brighton and Hove, overnight frosts are expected with temperatures plummeting to -1C.

The forecast reads: “Frost slowly melting on Thursday morning as it becomes increasingly cloudy.

“Outbreaks of rain, spreading across the region from midday, clearing the south east coast overnight. Becoming windy. Maximum temperature 6C.

The Met Office forecasts milder conditions going into the weekend.

Mr Madge said: “Friday into Saturday we have got another frontal system moving across the UK. That’s more likely to deliver rain more widely.

“By Saturday and into the weekend any wintry showers are likely to be just over the higher tops and fells.”

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