SPRING comes to an unexpected halt this weekend as more snow is forecast to hit Dorset as temperatures plunge.

The latest spell of cold weather, nicknamed the ‘mini-Beast from the East’ is set to hit the county.

Snow has been forecast for tomorrow and an amber – 'be prepared' – weather warning for snow in parts of Dorset has been issued by the Met Office for Sunday.

It is expected there will be ‘flurries of snow’ tomorrow and the cold wind from the East could make temperatures feel as low as -2 degrees Celsius.

Martin Bowles of the Met Office said: “On Saturday morning, a few early rain showers will soon clear, and then most of the morning will be dry. However, temperatures will drop quickly during the day as much colder air comes in from the east.

“A band of rain and snow will come through in the middle of the day. This will fall mainly as rain near the coast, but mainly as snow in the north of the county.

“The snow at this stage is not expected to settle or cause any significant impacts so no warnings have been issued. However, it will be very cold on Saturday with maximum temperatures only reaching 3 degrees Celsius. The strong easterly wind will make it feel like -2 degrees.

“A few more flurries of snow will come through in the afternoon, but these will intensify overnight as warmer air from the Channel meets the very cold air."

The amber warning has been issued for Sunday, covering Dorchester, north and west Dorset, and will be in place until 6pm.

The Met Office says there could be 15 to 25cm of snow in places.

A spokesman said: “There is the potential for a spell of snow, moving west over southwest Britain on Saturday night and become locally heavy on Sunday. Strong easterly winds will lead to some drifting of snow. Travel delays on roads are likely, stranding some vehicles and passengers. Some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely. There is a good chance that some rural communities could become cut off with some disruption to power supplies."

“A weather system is expected to run west along the English Channel and bring a spell of snow to southwest Britain on Sunday, clearing from the east during the afternoon. There is the potential for 5 to 10cm of snow to fall quite widely, and 15 to 25cm over higher ground. However, there remains uncertainty in how this system will develop and its impacts.”

Dorset County Council has issued advice on its website and says roads are being prepared.

Weymouth action group, WeyPROGRESS, has cancelled its town centre tidy-up in anticipation of Sunday’s cold weather.

Dorset Echo:

What will happen with Weymouth Half Marathon?

Weymouth Half Marathon is set to take place on Sunday morning despite the chilly weather forecast.

Organisers Just Racing UK say they intend to go ahead with the race and have told runners to prepare for the cold weather by ‘dressing accordingly.’ A message on the event Facebook page says organisers will keep a close eye on the weather.

The post says: “As with any event, our priority is to ensure we are able to deliver a safe event for athletes. We are continuously monitoring the weather and are aware that there is snow forecast throughout the night on Saturday.

“We will do everything we can to ensure the Weymouth Half Marathon is a success."

The race will begin at 8.30am on Sunday morning and is set to finish around midday.