HAMPSHIRE escaped the worst of the weather – but forecasters say the threat of snow still remains.

The threat wintery downpour still hangs over much of the county today at the Met Office predict that the region is likely to face some of the white stuff.

Forecasters have said that today will stay cold and breezy with sunny spells, along with scattered sleet and snow showers, the heaviest of which are expected this afternoon, with a risk of hail in some places.

Temperatures are also set to fall this afternoon, as cold blasts from Greenland and Iceland send the mercury plummeting to 3C in Southampton from about 4pm.

Showers and overnight frosts are likely to bring the risk of icy stretches forming on untreated surfaces, while strong winds will accentuate the bitter cold feel.

The weather will turn slightly milder on Friday, reaching up to 7C in the South.

But an Arctic blast is expected to send a fresh wave of snow and freezing temperatures over the weekend.

Forecasters had said that some snow was “likely” last night as the temperatures plummeted but that failed to materialise in Hampshire.

However, heavy snow has been falling across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, with the Met Office issuing amber “be prepared” warnings for the next few days.

Up to 15cms are forecast in some parts and commuters have been told to expect disruption today.

The Met Office chief forecaster said: "The unstable westerly airflow will veer northwesterly during Thursday bringing cold air further south across the UK. Showers will therefore become wintry to lower levels. 1 to 2 cm may settle almost anywhere, especially from late afternoon and into Thursday evening.

"During the early hours of Friday morning a more persistent spell of rain, sleet and snow may affect parts of Wales, the Midlands and southern England.

"Again, 1 to 2 cm of snow is possible at low levels whilst locally up to 5 cm could settle on high ground above about 150 m. However, this is rather uncertain and many places will see little, if any, lying snow, and ice is more likely to be a hazard."