Dorset is set to get a lot colder this week.

Temperatures could drop below freezing during the week with highs of around six degrees and lows of minus one degrees which is a significant decrease to recent weather.

Light sleet and snow flurries are possible on Monday night, although this is looking very unlikely across Weymouth, Portland, and Dorchester.

Weather should stay generally dry but is mostly set to turn a lot colder and windier.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an alert covering the whole of England which is in force from 9am on January 6, to 12 noon on January 9.

Dorset remains under an amber alert which means that significant impacts are probable across the health and social care sector.

Wintry weather can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications for people with a long-term health condition.

Dr Forbes Watson, local GP and chair of the Dorset General Practice Alliance said: “With cold weather forecast over the coming days we are asking anyone who may consider themselves at risk, in particular those people with long term health conditions to take extra care and stay safe.

"If you have family, friends or know of anyone who may be vulnerable, please check in on them to see if they need any help – those little things can make a big difference.

“During the cold snap if you have any concerns about your health or that of a loved one, please use 111.nhs.uk or call 111.”

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have issued advice on the precautions drivers can take before travelling in cold and frosty weather.

The service suggests that people should have an emergency kit in their car.

This should include an ice scraper and de-icer, warm clothes and blankets for all passengers, torch and spare batteries, food and a flask with a hot drink, any medication you need to take regularly, boots, first aid kit, jump leads, a shovel, road atlas, sunglasses and a car charger for your mobile phone.

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

The local authority has urged people to make Julian House’s outreach team aware of anyone sleeping rough via https://thestreetlink.org.uk/, or to contact them on 01305 221000 for 24/7 advice.