DRIVERS were met by frosty conditions today as December continued with a decidedly cold snap - but police said drivers seemed to cope well with the conditions with no major accidents or shunts during the morning rush-hour.

DRIVERS were met by frosty conditions today as December continued with a decidedly cold snap - but police said drivers seemed to cope well with the conditions with no major accidents or shunts during the morning rush-hour.

Gritters were out overnight on many of the county's roads, and although motorists had to spend time scraping their windscreens, police were not called to any accidents.

Ground temperatures dropped to a -1C (30F) low this morning and forecasters have warned a band of wintry showers is heading southwards which could reach us by Friday.

Evening Star weather expert Ken Blowers believes we will enjoy a dry spell until the weekend but that winds will increase.

He said: “It will be chiefly dry for the next few days but becoming colder with one or two odd sleet showers.

A deep depression is on the way from the Atlantic which will move very close to Britain on Thursday.

With it will come much stronger winds and unsettled weather, so I would advise people to wrap up warm.

More cold weather is predicted for tomorrow with temperatures as low as 4C (40F) - the average being 7C (45F) for this time of year.

Parts of the country can expect snow before the end of the week but sleet and rain showers are more likely in the south.