PARTS of the south are set to be hit blanketed by snow this weekend as an Arctic blast sends temperatures below freezing.

Forecasters are warning that central and southern England are likely to see some of the white stuff, with up to three inches falling in parts of the region.

The cold snap is the result of a twist in the jet stream caused by a clash between a cold easterly flow from Scandinavia and milder Atlantic air to the southwest.

As well as bringing freezing fog and widespread frost it could send the mercury as low as minus 10°C.

But Hampshire is expected to escape the worst of the cold spell, with towns and cities more likely to see rain than snow.

Outbreaks of rain today will be followed by occasional wintry showers on Sunday, with temperatures dropping on Monday in a strengthening northerly wind.