Residents in Poole, Dorset, are facing a sharp return to winter conditions today, Wednesday 25 March 2026, as a cold snap brings heavy showers, hail, and the possibility of snow. This sudden change follows a brief spell of mild spring weather last week where temperatures in parts of the UK reached over 20 degrees Celsius.
The Met Office reports that while the actual temperature this morning was 6 degrees Celsius, strong westerly wind gusts of up to 45mph mean it will feel closer to 1 degree Celsius. Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates described the shift as a shock to the system, with wintry showers potentially bringing snow over the nearby Moors.
Tonight is expected to be cold with a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius, creating a risk of frost and ice on untreated surfaces. The RHS has advised local gardeners to protect tender plants by covering them with fleece or moving containers to sheltered spots to prevent damage.
To keep roads safe, the BCP Council has confirmed its gritting teams are on standby. The local authority has a fleet of 14 gritting vehicles and 2,800 tonnes of salt ready to treat the area’s main routes as temperatures drop.
Conditions are expected to stay chilly on Thursday before temperatures begin to rise again over the coming weekend. Current forecasts suggest the weather will return to warmer spring levels by Tuesday 31 March 2026, with a high of 17 degrees Celsius predicted for the town.
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