TEMPERATURES plummeted to as low as -6C in Southampton last night, in what weather experts say was the coldest night of the year so far.

Areas of Hampshire saw temperatures drop even lower, with residents in the north of the county, such as Andover, waking up to temperatures as low as -7C.

Temperatures in the county are expected to remain in the minuses throughout today, according to the Met Office, who have issued a yellow warning for snow for this afternoon.

The warning, which is in place from 1pm today until late Friday, covers all of Hampshire and Southampton.

Ahead of the newest warning Hampshire County Council has announced it is working "round the clock" to ensure the area's roads are prepared.

Councillor Rob Humby, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, said: “Our winter fleet is salting the main roads continuously.

"We are doing everything we can to prepare for snow, but, if the forecast is correct, we are certainly going to have our work cut out.

"Rain is forecast from this afternoon, which will then turn to snow.

"This means that salt already on the roads may be washed away, and our winter fleet will have to start salting again as soon as the rain eases ahead of the freeze.

"We have 43 salting lorries and each route takes about three hours to complete.

"We would ask everyone who travels on Hampshire’s roads to think about their travel arrangements, be prepared for bad weather and either try to avoid travelling where practical or to plan their journeys carefully if they need to be out and about tomorrow evening.

Last year, Hampshire was blanketed by snow after a combination of cold weather patterns combined over the county.

Ice-cold Siberian winds, known as the Beast from the East, buffeted the county, turning a storm from the south into a heavy layer of snow.

The unusual weather pattern caused traffic chaos across Hampshire and a long list of school closures.