DIG out your woolly hats and scarves Swindon is odds on to be thrown into a deep freeze next week.

Forecasters at The Met Office expect temperatures to dip as low as -8C in some exposed areas and there is even a 50-60 per cent chance of heavy snowfalls.

A blast of Arctic air, which will push southwards at the beginning of the week, is being blamed for the cold snap.

Some northerly and eastern areas of the country could see up to 10cm of snow sending thermometers plummeting to a chilly 14C at night.

Wayne Elliott of the Meteorological Office, said: "The outlook for Swindon is not looking too good.

"It will certainly be a complete contrast to the current weather, which is fairly mild for this time of the year.

"We are continually monitoring the charts and it seems the strong easterly wind on Sunday will shift to an icy northerly one.

"The chances of snow are reasonably high and could be with us late Monday or early Tues-day."

The spokesman added that people should take care when travelling.

"I would advise people to watch the forecasts carefully. People might want to think about cancelling plans."

Meanwhile, Colin Hunter, spokesman for the AA urged motorists to plan their journeys around the bad weather.

Each day, the organisation attends 12,000 roadside emergencies.

During bad weather that figure can more than double.

Mr Hunter said: "Employers and employees must put safety before punctuality when the bad weather closes in.

"While it is always a good idea to allow extra time in winter for your journey, drivers must accept the inevitability of being late for work if they are caught up in an unexpected delay."

Although the region had a few snow flurries over Christmas, the last substantial snow Swin-don saw was in December 2000.

Temperatures were recorded at 3C as heavy snowfall caused misery for morning rush-hour traffic.

Despite advanced warning of the treacherous weather, it emerged Swindon Council failed to grit the roads.

But spokesman Gavin Calthrop insisted the council was ready to deal with the bad weather this time around.

"We have an excellent gritting operation and we are ready to treat 230 miles of the 480 miles of roads within the borough's area of responsibility," he said.

"A roads will be gritted first and then the B roads. It is essential that the salt is put down before the snow and ice."

Meanwhile, Jo Osorio of Age Concern Swindon stressed the need for pensioners to wrap up warm.

He said: "The predicted dramatic drop in temperature will have alarmed many older people.

"We urge people not to economise on their heating. If they have any money worries they should contact us."

The worst winter experienced by Swindonians was in 1963.

A blizzard at the beginning of January was followed by repeated heavy snowfalls, which produced snowdrifts as deep as 6ft.

Many motorists simply abandoned their cars after getting stuck.

The latest cold spell should clear by Thursday.

kshoesmith@newswilts.co.uk

Smart driving when it freezes

The AA's Colin Hunter has the following tips for motorists.

1) Always remember that in snow and ice stopping distances are 10 times longer.

2) Clear snow from the roof as well as from windows. Snow piled up on the roof can fall onto the windscreen obscuring your view. You could face a £2,500 fine and three penalty points if caught by police.

3) Use all the car's controls accelerator, brakes, clutch and steering as gently and progressively as possible.

4) Keep to main roads, as they are more likely to be gritted and patrolled.

5) Don't let other speeding drivers lull you into a false sense of security.

6) Listen to traffic bulletins before you set off and during the journey.

7) Expect the unexpected, such as traffic queues or accidents around the corner.

8) Mobile phones mean you can call for help if you get stuck so if you have one, take it with you!