A cold weather alert has been issued for the county as temperatures are expected to drop next week.

The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are warning that Sussex will experience cold weather from 1am on Monday, March 6, to midnight on Wednesday, March 8.

Very cold air will spread across the UK – bringing snow and a risk of ice, the UKHSA said.

Weather warnings are likely from the start of next week due to the expected conditions, according to the Met Office.

The UKHSA is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of the weather, such as people with medical conditions or over the age of 65.

The level two cold weather alert, issued by the national weather forecaster said there is at least a 60 per cent probability of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow across the country. 

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “During periods like this, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather, as it can have a serious impact on health.

“If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18C if you can.”

Chris Almond, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Although we’ve moved into meteorological spring there will be a distinctly wintry feel to our weather next week. Very cold air will spread across the UK bringing snow showers even to sea level in the north on Monday and these snow showers could spread further south on Tuesday.

“With freezing overnight temperatures and the risk of ice, it is likely weather warnings will be issued for Monday and Tuesday once the detail of potential impacts becomes clearer, so keep an eye on the Met Office forecast.”