A SEVERE cold weather alert has been issued for Dorset as temperatures start to plunge.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning from 9am on Monday, January 16, until 9am on Friday, January 20.

The level 3 alert, which is the second highest that can be issued, says there is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions this week.

LIVE: Flooding causes chaos across Dorset and the New Forest - latest updates 

The Met Office says: “Cold air has spread south across much of the country overnight Sunday into Monday.

“These conditions persisting through the week across most areas, bringing widespread frost and with daytime temperatures struggling to recover above freezing.

“Brisk winds, along with spells of wintry showers are also possible, with icy conditions potentially developing.

“These mostly likely where the brisk north to northwesterly winds bring coastal showers inland.

“There is lower confidence in the longevity of the cold conditions across the southwest, with temperatures potentially recovering later in the week.

“Confidence is also low with the return of any milder conditions from the west into the weekend.”

According to the Met Office forecast it will feel like minus 8C on Tuesday morning and minus 6C on Wednesday.

BCP Council has also activated a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol due to the cold weather.

The warning comes amid severe flooding across Dorset on Monday.