Emergency measures are being put in place across Dorset with temperatures set to plummet by the end of the week.

The action comes as temperatures are forecast to reach as low as -1c degree by Friday.

Dorset Council has triggered its emergency cold weather provisions for rough sleepers due to the significant drop in temperatures.

The local authority has urged people to seek more advice if they see or know anyone sleeping rough during the cold temperatures.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "If you know of a person sleeping rough, please report them to us, and with your help, we can find them and help them."

First bus service has also warned that cold weather could affect school bus routes on the morning of Friday, December 1.

However, the chances of snow falling by the end of the week remain uncertain, as it is dependent on the position of low pressure.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “An area of low pressure moves eastwards to the south of the UK through Thursday and as this moves out into the north sea on Friday there is a chance of some snow in the south of England, at this stage there is significant uncertainty over the position of the low pressure and therefore if there could be snow or if it will remain drier.”

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued its own advice to people about the best ways to stay safe while staying warm this winter – especially with the cost of living still high.

Safe and Well Manager at DWFRS, Sarah Moore said: “When the temperatures start to drop, we know that people get heaters and electric blankets out of storage, but we also know that lots of households are doing things differently to try and save money.

“Whether that’s using an open fire for the first time in years, or delaying essential maintenance of boilers, the risks could be far greater than any cash saving, so we’re urging everyone to take extra care.

“We are here to help and offer advice. If you are in doubt over any home fire safety issues, please do get in touch, and always remember to test your smoke detector every week, as working smoke detectors save lives.

"We’d also recommend carbon monoxide alarms to warn against the risk of CO poisoning – it could be the best thing you buy this year.”

If you would like to report someone sleeping rough, visit the website https://orlo.uk/az9rD