AS TEMPERATURES plummeted to below freezing, people in Worcestershire yesterday awoke to a frost covered county as opposed to more wet weather.

But despite waking up again today to more frost and ice covered roads, it is not set to last as weather forecaster Frank Hill has predicted rain will return.

He said: "It was clear and cold last night with risk of fog re-forming for this morning with temperatures down to about -2C in rural areas. From today there will be increasing cloud and wind, and the afternoon will be mostly cloudy with occasional rain and fresh to strong southerly winds. The rain probably won't be very heavy and temperatures will be at around 7C throughout the day."

For the remainder of the week, Mr Hill said unsettled weather would continue with showers and strong winds across Worcestershire. He expected temperatures to be between 2C and 7C until the weekend.

Worcestershire County Council sent its gritters out from 7pm last night to tackle the widespread frost and possible icy patches on the county's roads, teamed with fog and mist which was set to clear just after the morning rush hour.

The council has urged drivers to use caution, ensuring they adjust their driving according to the weather conditions, and ensure they maintain a safe distance between themselves and other vehicles to allow for additional braking distance when roads are wet or icy, as some roads may not be grit treated.

People are also being encouraged to check on elderly residents and the more vulnerable members of communities, especially those who live alone as the cold weather sets in.

For more information on gritting areas, visit the county council's website at worcestershire.gov.uk/gritting or follow the #GritterTwitter.