DORSET could see snow next week, the Met Office has said, during what could be the most prolonged period of cold weather since 2013.

A cold spell, which is being dubbed the Beast of the East, is set to bring in cold air from Siberia.

It has been caused by a sudden rise in temperature in the atmosphere above the North Pole of 50 Degrees Celsius, known as a sudden stratospheric warning. 

Grahame Madge, spokesperson for the Met Office, said it would get very cold for the whole of the UK, particularly the south, and it could last for sometime, and certainly into March.

He said typically that at this time of year we’d get wet and windy weather, but next week we’d see temperatures struggling to get above freezing with some very heavy frosts.

Overnight temperatures could dip as low as minus 5C or minus 6C, but could be slightly higher on in coastal locations in Dorset.

He said Eastern counties were most likely to be affected on Monday and the cold conditions would reach a peak on Tuesday.

He said: “During the week along the south coast there is a risk of snow.”

Grahame added: “This is likely to be a prolonged spell of very cold weather”

“Winter hasn’t lost its grip”.

The Met Office updated its cold weather alert from a level 2 to a level 3 on Friday morning.

The Met Office says there is a "99% probability of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow between 0900 on Friday 23 Feb and 0800 on Thursday 01 Mar in parts of England."

It said the severe weather could "increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services."

The Met Office said: “During Monday and Tuesday, snow showers are expected to move into eastern areas, before spreading westwards across England. These have the potential to align into bands, bringing some significant accumulations.

"Not everyone will see snowfall, however 5-10cm is possible where showers do line up, with the greatest risk across eastern and southeastern counties.

“These will also be accompanied by bitterly cold temperatures, and a significant wind chill. These cold, wintery conditions are then expected to continue Wednesday, and likely beyond, however confidence is low regarding any details at this stage.”

Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Cold weather can increase health risks for vulnerable people. Try and keep your home heated to around 18 degrees C to keep yourself and your family or friends warm.

“If you have elderly relatives or know of people in your community who may be vulnerable take the time to check on them.”