TEMPERATURES are set to hit freezing in Sussex this week as the mercury plummets across the county.

The Met Office has warned of wintry conditions in the UK with the chance of snow in some areas.

But will Sussex see any of the white stuff this December?

Winter arrived in full force as November turned to December with biting winds and freezing conditions triggering people in Sussex to reach for their hats, coats and gloves.

In Brighton and Hove, temperatures are set to fall to 0C between 3am and 10am tomorrow and -1C on Monday morning.

Thermometres will not venture above 5C for more than a week.

The Met Office's national forecast echoes this temperature change.

It states: "It’ll turn colder across the UK this week with wintry showers and snow for northern areas and overnight frosts for many.

The Argus: Snow in Brighton outside the Royal PavilionSnow in Brighton outside the Royal Pavilion

"Cold polar maritime air will make its way across the UK introducing much lower temperatures nationwide and blustery showers across western areas. 

"These showers will be heavy and frequent in Scotland, turning increasingly to snow this evening and overnight."

A weather warning for snow has been issued across parts of Scotland until noon tomorrow.

But the snow is unlikely to be seen in areas further south, such as Sussex.

Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office Dan Suri said: “It’ll certainly feel more wintry this week, with colder weather bringing a risk of frost, ice and wintry showers.

"The risk of snow accumulating is largely confined to the northern half of the UK - mainly over higher ground in Scotland, Wales and northern England.

“By tomorrow (Thursday) morning parts of northwest Scotland could see 2cm of snow accumulations to low levels, with 2-5cm above 200m and up to 10cm gathering over the highest routes, leading to some travel disruption."

However, there could be a sprinkling of the white stuff later in the month, with long range weather forecasts struggling to pin down exactly what conditions Sussex could face.

Addressing the UK forecast for the period between December 16 and December 30, a Met Office spokesman said: "Confidence is very low during this period, with forecast signals weak and rather mixed.

"On balance, "conditions are) most likely to remain changeable with outbreaks of rain and showers at times, particularly in the east and the south.

The Argus: One of the most famous and best-loved landmarks in Sussex today celebrates its 110th anniversary. The Palace Pier in Brighton opened to the public in 1899 and has held a special place in the hearts of residents and visitors since.

"Snow remains most likely over the hills but could still fall to lower levels at times.

"It is likely that drier and more settled conditions compared to normal will continue in the northwest, with a possibility of these extending more widely towards the end of the month.

"This would bring more widespread overnight frosts along with some fog patches.

"Temperatures will overall will most likely be near, or a little below average, although some milder interludes are possible."