Essex: Snow forecast in some areas today and early next week

MORE sleet and snow could be on the way today, forecasters have predicted.

Meterologists said some areas in the region could expect two to three inches of snow, while wintry showers, soft hail and sleet should be expected in most places.

Conditions are likely to improve over the weekend but more wintry showers are forecast for early next week.

Steve Western, duty forecaster at Norwich-based Weatherquest, said: “It could well snow overnight and during the day. It’s still very marginal whether it will or not, but if it does, there could be a couple of inches in some places.

“We are expecting wintry showers, soft hail and sleet. Saturday should be dry and bright but still very cold. On Sunday it will be mainly dry with some clouds.”

Yesterday the region battled with freezing temperatures and woke up to a light covering of snow early in the morning. The coldest temperature recorded in the region was in Wattisham, where it plummeted to -5C (23F).

Today, more icy stretches are likely in places first thing, with brisk northerly winds. The maximum temperature predicted is 3C (37F).

Following a brief respite over the weekend, north-easterly winds and wintry showers are set to return on Monday.

Later in the week, temperatures will be significantly colder than normal for the time of year but it should be dry and sunny, with some risk of wintry showers again.

Earlier this week parts of the region were brought to a standstill following unexpected snowfall in the early hours of Wednesday.

In Essex, roads were blocked with slow moving traffic, while at Stansted more than 40 early-morning flights had to be cancelled.