TEMPERATURES are set to plunge this week with a chilly snap on its way.

Basingstoke can expect unsettled and colder weather from midweek onwards.

Weather experts say that from Saturday there is likely to be hail, sleet and snow across the county.

BBC Weather is predicting snow for Basingstoke on Friday starting from 6am until 7pm in the evening.

Hilly areas could see more widespread snowfall with temperatures expected to be a below-average overall, based on Met Office forecasts.

Tonight the temperature is forecast to drop to -1 degree Celsius.

Steve Ramsdale, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Although we’re going to see a few days with colder conditions, we shouldn’t be surprised that the start of winter brings a brief spell of wintry weather.

“Some parts of the UK, especially northern hills, may see snow, but for many, this will only be short-lived. We’ll be monitoring the forecast and we will issue warnings accordingly.”