DORSET could be hit by bitterly cold weather with a chance of snow from Sunday.

Temperatures are set to plunge as low as 1C with a high chance of 'wintry showers' set for areas including Weymouth and Portland, a Dorset forecaster has said.

Dorset Snow said on Sunday and Monday, the south coast region could see a similar set up to 2018's Beast from the East with a two-day snow event 'likely'.

Speaking to the Dorset Echo, the forecaster said: "This spell has a lot of potential to be a similar set up to Beast from East, but temperatures are predicted to be 5C milder.

there could be snow where the wet milder air from the west clashes with the colder air from the east

"Cold air from the east and wet milder air from the west are set to meet across Dorset and could cause snow."

Looking ahead, DorsetSnow said that there could be more cold weather on the cards across the northern hemisphere in the next couple of weeks following another “winds reversal” in the stratosphere over the last few days, which would add to the disruption of the polar vortex.

"There have been multiple warmings of the stratosphere and polar air has made strong inroads into northern Europe," said the forecaster.

"If we want to advect cold air, then we need northern blocking in place, something we’ve seen a lot this winter.

The forecaster said high pressure is set to build to the north of the UK later this week, and by the weekend it is likely to introduce cold, easterly winds.

"Later this week we will have a clearly picture of trying to predict trends. However, if current trends continue then the chances of snow event across places such as Portland and Weymouth are likely.

"February could be a wintery month, with wintery showers starting on Sunday and Monday."

"We will be looking at highs of just 1-3c generally and an enhanced snow risk from Sunday.

If snow does settle, then daytime highs may struggle to get above freezing."

The Met Office said next week will stay chilly for much of the UK with brisk easterly winds making it feel even colder.