GRITTERS are heading out tonight before a cold snap descends on Blackburn.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's gritting squad will hit the streets at 6pm as frost is set to take hold throughout the night.

Temperatures are expected to dip below 0C between 4am and 8am on Friday.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said: "It will be dry and clear this evening and overnight, allowing it to turn chilly, with road surface temperatures falling to below zero in places with a risk of frost forming.

"It looks like it's going to be dry and sunny tomorrow morning.

"It will be largely dry and relatively mild between Friday and Sunday, thanks to southerly and south-westerly winds.

"A variable amount of cloud will push in from the west at times leading to a slim chance of rain.

"Road surface temperatures are expected to remain above zero during the night periods.

"It will be partially cloudy on Monday with the odd shower, followed by a clear and chilly night with road surface temperatures falling below zero."