FREEZING overnight fog lingering across the region will see temperatures in many places remain as low as -12C today.

Essex continues to be gripped by wintry weather - but forecasters have said the last few days are just the start of what promises to be a cold snap that runs well into next week.

With little or no breeze to move it on, the freezing fog from last night will remain and temperatures will stay well below the average daytime January reading of about 6C.

Speaking last night, forecaster Phil Garner of Weatherquest said the overnight freezing fog would be the real problem, with little or no snow predicted today and tomorrow.

He said: “Overnight temperatures won’t change at all throughout the day. Thursday night will start to see any fog left over lift away thanks to a bit of breeze overnight into Friday.”

Gritters have been out in force in a bid to keep roads clear, prevent accidents and reduce the need for any further school closures.

Essex County Councillor Derrick Louis, cabinet member for highways & transportation said the Essex Highways fleet of winter gritting lorries would continue to patrol the streets.

He said: “Our gritters have been doing a great job over the past few days, making sure our road network is kept moving. We continue to monitor weather forecasts, and decisions on further gritting runs will be taken as required. I advise residents to continue to travel with extra caution, especially on untreated side roads and pavements.”