The Isle of Wight has experienced its first frost of the season overnight, with temperatures plunging as low as -3.3C in some parts of the Island.
The coldest conditions were recorded near Shalfleet, where the mercury dropped to -3.3C, according to data released by IW Met Service this morning (Friday).
Several other locations also experienced sub-zero temperatures, with a low of -2.4C recorded near Godshill and -2.3C in Carisbrooke.
Newport saw temperatures fall to -1.9C, whilst Whitwell recorded a minimum of -1.8C.
The figures, covering the period from 20:00 yesterday (Thursday) to 09:59 today, highlight the widespread freezing conditions experienced across the Island overnight.
The arrival of the first frost coincided with the first gritting operation of the winter season, which was scheduled to begin at 23:00 last night.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Island Roads confirmed that its fleet of gritters would be deployed after forecasts indicated road surface temperatures could fall below -2C.
It marked the earliest start to the highways contractor’s winter gritting operations for around 5 years, with last year’s first run taking place on 19th November.
Around 43% of the Isle of Wight’s road network is covered by the winter gritting programme, with 4 specialist lorries treating main routes and a specially adapted Mercedes van used to access smaller roads.
Island Roads has urged motorists to take extra care when travelling during freezing conditions, particularly as not all roads are included in the treatment network.
Details of the Island’s gritting routes can be found at www.islandecho.co.uk/gritting-routes/.
