Hampshire officials say they won’t be caught out by the forecast cold snap

That is the defiant message from Hampshire’s councils who say they are ready for the winter blast set to sweep the county later this week.

Forecasters have warned that much of the county will be blanketed in snow by the weekend with temperatures plummeting to -4C.

The Russian sub-zero temperatures will also cause widespread frost causing icy roads and pavements A Met Office forecaster, told the Daily Echo: “Southampton and the surrounding areas will certainly get some cold weather and you will notice it getting colder as the week goes on.

“From the snow point of view I wouldn’t think Southampton will see any until Friday or Saturday. There will also be a widespread frost overnight so everyone should bear in mind the icy surfaces.”

By the weekend temperatures will not rise above 3C in the day and will drop to a chilly -5C in some parts of the county – but winds from northern Russia and the Arctic mean it will feel much colder.

A look back at Hampshire in the snow last January

There are fears it could lead to a repeat of last year’s winter, which saw the most severe weather in 31 years.

Heavy snow and freezing temperatures paralysed parts of Hampshire with schools, colleges, roads and Southampton Airport all closed due to the conditions.

But last night councils said they were ready for the winter’s first serious bout of cold weather, with rock salt supplies ready to go.

Southampton City Council said their four gritting lorries have been replaced with five bigger and better ones, which are fitted with ploughs. They have 700 tonnes of rock salt ready with an extra 3,000 tonnes at their disposal if needed as well as more officers trained to deal with this year’s winter weather.

Councillor Matthew Dean, Cabinet Member for Environ-ment and Transport, said: “Last winter’s big freeze was the most extreme winter weather conditions we have seen in the city for generations.

“Residents can be assured that with a larger fleet of vehicles and a huge amount of rock salt at our disposal, we are ready for the worst winter weather.”

Councillor Ivan White, City Council Cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “We are appealing to all residents to make sure they are looking after their neighbours. Please make sure you are checking on the elderly and vulnerable to make sure they are warm, safe and have enough food.”

Hampshire County Council says it is also “geared up” for frosty conditions. A spokeswoman said they have 45 priority routes to salt and a lorry for each of them, in addition to nine mini-spreaders.