WRAP up warm because it’s staying cold.

That is the message from the Met Office as Hampshire is experiencing a Siberian snap.

The county is on a weather alert – but is likely to avoid the snowfall which is hitting other parts of the country.

Instead forecasters say the main risk will be ice on roads and pavements with sub-zero temperatures likely over the next two nights.

In some parts of Hampshire that will mean the mercury plunging to -5C overnight up to the weekend.

The chilling weather will mean Southampton City Council will have five gritters in use to keep main roads ice free, with priority given to major traffic routes.

Last week the Daily Echo launched its Stay Warm campaign, which is urging people across the county to look out for elderly friends, family and neighbours as the temperatures plummet.

Hampshire County Council has rolled out a scheme with Age Concern Hampshire which is helping people stay warm in rural areas.

The scheme involves “village agents” who go to homes to provide information, a “keep warm” pack and even help with shopping.

Scheme co-ordinator Alan Edmunds said: “It is extremely important for people to help each other out in this cold weather, especially in harder to reach rural areas.”