Snow carpets Brighton and Hove’s hilly suburbs

A light carpeting of snow covered Brighton and Hove’s hilly suburbs overnight although traffic appeared to be moving this morning (Monday 5 January).

There were plenty of streets given more than a dusting towards the centre of town too.

Temperatures dipped below freezing in the small hours and are forecast to reach a maximum of 2C or 35F to 36F during the day today.

But tonight they are due to drop to -2C or about 28F before starting to pick up tomorrow afternoon, with the wind swinging round from northerly to southwesterly.

With rain expected tomorrow overnight, the white stuff should be fairly short-lived for most.

All bus services were running this morning despite the weather, Brighton and Hove Buses said.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) issued a warning, urging drivers to take extra care in freezing temperatures and icy conditions.

The road safety charity said: “With many people returning to work after the festive break, the winter weather is creating challenging road conditions.”

RoSPA advised drivers to “plan journeys carefully, check vehicles before setting off, clear all snow from windscreens, thoroughly de-ice their vehicle and adapt driving styles to suit conditions”.

It said: “Key steps include reducing speed, increasing braking distances and carrying emergency supplies such as warm clothing and a charged mobile phone.

“Winter weather can create a range of risks, with braking distances up to 10 times longer on icy roads.”