Somerset is expected to avoid the worst of the severe cold weather that is forecast to freeze the majority of the UK this week.

The Met Office has issued a Level 3 alert for cold weather in most areas across the country, but says the South West is less at risk than any other region.

Freezing temperatures overnight on Friday, and some snowfall on Saturday morning, made way for slightly milder conditions and rain in Somerset yesterday.

Temperatures in the county have risen to around 6°C today, although it is forecast to drop below freezing tonight.

There will be a heavy frost overnight, with freezing fog also developing in some higher areas which could last into tomorrow.

The outlook for the rest of the week predicts further overnight frosts and the possibility of persistent freezing fog, but it will get cloudier, and slightly warmer, as the week goes on.

While the rest of the country is facing a 100% risk of severe cold weather, the Met Office has rated the South West as an 80% risk.

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