A snow and ice warning has been issued for Brighton and Hove – and the wider south east – by the country’s official weather forecaster.
Any snow that falls is likely to be on higher ground, such as the outlying suburbs, with north easterly winds at speeds of about 20 knots adding to the chilly air.
The Met Office issued the severe weather warning – a “yellow” alert – for a 14-hour period starting at 8pm this evening (Sunday 4 February).
The warning said: “Wintry showers are expected to affect south east England through Sunday night and Monday morning.
“Some roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.
“Some icy patches are likely to develop on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.”
The chief forecaster said: “Scattered rain, sleet and snow showers are expected to be most frequent across Kent and East Sussex during Sunday evening.
“Showers are likely to fall as rain along eastern coasts but inland locally 1cm to 3cm of snow could accumulate, mainly over hills above 100 metres.”
Another forecaster, Windguru, indicated that there would be relatively few clouds and that any rain, sleet or snow would be light – and would fall during the morning rush hour or shortly afterwards.
The week ahead is predicted to remain cold, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above 3C or 37F.
Health chiefs urged people to check that vulnerable neighbours, friends and family are ok over the coming week.
Public Health England said earlier today: “From now until 9am on Friday 9 February Public Health England has declared a ‘level 3 cold alert’. Please check on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.
“There is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather, icy conditions and snow between 9am on Sunday 4 Feb and 9am on Friday 9 February in parts of England.
“This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.
“This means the trigger criteria will be met for low average temperatures during this week.
“Scattered sleet and snow showers are likely at times in Sussex.”
