A COLD spell is due to hit Suffolk over the next few days bringing with it widespread frost and below zero temperatures.Suffolk County Council's gritters were out in the county last night and this morning motorists were faced with icy windows, signalling an end to the dull and windy weather of the last few days.

A COLD spell is due to hit Suffolk over the next few days bringing with it widespread frost and below zero temperatures.

Suffolk County Council's gritters were out in the county last night and this morning motorists were faced with icy windows, signalling an end to the dull and windy weather of the last few days.

Evening Star weatherman Ken Blowers said an anti-cyclone moving closer to the UK will bring clear skies and sunshine during the day and rapidly falling temperatures at night, adding to the hazards faced by motorists on the road in the mornings.

He said: “We are now looking at a cold spell lasting until Saturday.

“We haven't had a high pressure over the UK for some time and it is likely to bring a widespread frost, and it seems like winter has arrived at last.”

During the day the highest temperatures will be around 7C (45F) dropping to -3C (27F) at night.

When snow or ice is forecast, Suffolk County Council's gritting team get to work covering all 2,500 miles of the county's A and B roads in two and a half hours, at a cost of around £10,000.

However a spokesman said: “Salting and snow clearing cannot guarantee that a surface is ice free. Road users should therefore take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and others when freezing conditions occur.

“Allow extra time for your journey in wintry conditions, reduce your speed generally and slow down well in advance of bends and junctions, and allow more time to stop than usual.”