DORSET forecasters are eagerly watching weather models to see if we will see snowfall over the coming days.

Temperatures are set to plummet by the end of the week with lows of minus 10C expected by night in some areas as a cold spell arrives.

Dorset Snow said GFS charts and a European weather model that provides medium-range weather forecasts, known as ECM, are toying with the idea of a “major battleground snow event” in the middle of December.

The Bournemouth-based weather forecaster said this morning: “One to watch. This morning both the GFS and ECM are toying with the idea of a major battleground snow event around 14-16th December.”

Read more: 'Very cold air' to hit Dorset as temperatures are set to plummet to minus figures

He added: “This is our route to heavy, accumulating snow in southern England. A long way off at eight days range, but there’s some cross model support there.”

He said weather models suggest cold conditions are set to last until mid-month "at least". 

Fellow Bournemouth-based weather enthusiast UK Extreme Weather said: "Quite astonishing charts this morning, very cold, very snowy & a very historic December on the cards should they come to fruition crazy chart example for 10 days time."

An amber cold weather alert for "severe cold weather and icy conditions" issued by the Met Office will come into force for England, including the south west, on Wednesday, December 7, from 6pm. 

It will be in place until 9am on Monday, December 12.

The weather alert says: “Rather cold conditions are expected to turn colder across much of the UK later Wednesday and through Thursday as air from the Arctic spreads south across the country.

“Very cold nights are expected, with widespread frosts and potentially severe frosts.

“Daytime temperatures persisting near or just above freezing, with overnight temperatures continuing to trend downwards.

"Wintry showers are also likely to affect some coasts, perhaps pushing into some inland areas at times, bringing a risk of icy patches.”

Meanwhile, BCP Council said its gritting team is on standby for colder weather. 

A spokesperson said: "We have a fleet of 14 gritting vehicles waiting to cover 13,000 sections of highway across the BCP region, to keep our roads safe and as passable as possible for our residents."