WORCESTERSHIRE'S gritting fleet is on standby once again with wintry showers and dropping temperatures possible overnight.

After bright and sunny periods today, tonight will see some clear spells the chance of scattered showers falling as sleet or snow on high ground.

Showers will be heaviest in the afternoon with a risk of hail.

This will ease of significantly by the evening with only light showers expected overnight, though there will be a risk of fog patches.

Tomorrow morning is likely to see further showers, some of which may be wintry.

The minimum road surface temperature for this period is -1C, however the majority of the county will remain above freezing.

Worcestershire County Council's gritting fleet will be on standby through this period, with weather conditions being monitored in case road treatment is needed.

The council's highways manager, Jon Fraser, said: "Worcestershire is still proving to be more fortunate than several other areas of the country in not having had heavy or disruptive snowfall or ice.

"Our first consideration, as always, is the safety of our residents and businesses using the county roads, so we're maintaining our fleet on standby in case the weather changes and we need to get our gritters out on the roads quickly to help keep the county highways open for business."

Drivers are urged to drive with caution, ensuring they temper their driving according to the 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.