WHILST there is a small chance of snow in Dorset in the coming days, forecasters believe it is unlikely.

'Wintry showers' and sleet is forecast in several areas in the county today, with highs of just 3C to 6C.

Temperatures look set to drop as far as 2C with forecasts that Shaftesbury, Blandford Forum, Sherborne, Dorchester, Corfe Castle, Beaminster are among the areas of Dorset which could experience sleet showers and potentially snow.

The sleet showers were forecast to hit these areas between midnight and 8am today.

Dorset-based weather forecaster, Dorset Snow, predicts that there will not likely be a big snow event in the region but said residents could expect to see some 'wintry showers'.

It said: "There is a tiny chance of persistent snow affecting us, but it is very marginal and more likely across the east of the country. If the low alters track there could be a shock snow event.

"Friday's weather meets the wintry watch benchmark. It is set to be the coldest Dorset day since winter 2018/19 with highs of just 3C to 6C. There is a trough sat over central southern England and this is likely to produce some showers.

"From 6-10am I expect some wintry showers to develop. Sleet is more likely for coastal areas, but inland and over high ground these showers are more likely to fall as snow. The wintry watch is in place from 6-10am."

Weather warnings have been issued in other areas of the country but any snowfall in Dorset is likely to be minimal if it occurs at all.

A spokesman for Wessex Weather said: “Snow is possible Friday into Saturday but it’s a very marginal situation this far south, and I’m always sceptical of snow from northerly winds in Dorset. Our best chance of snow here is a cold easterly with low pressure moving up from France, and there’s little sign of that yet.”

The Met Office's forecast for the south west said last night was due to bring scattered showers followed by longer spells of rain along with possible hill snow.

Today's  forecast is set to bring spells of fog and rain early on, before turning brighter around midday with sunny spells likely during the afternoon.