Sheppey's own weatherman has been successful in his last two forecasts, and he has been spot on this time, too.

Amateur meterologist Darren Prescott predicted that there was a chance snow would fall today (Wednesday) and a light shower which started this morning has not stopped.

Mr Prescott, who monitors the weather from his home in Bay View, said the worst of the cold spell has passed and now we have the big thaw to look forward to.

He said there was a risk of snow today, although the rest of the week will start warming up.

Mr Prescott recorded two inches of snow last Thursday.

On Friday morning there was three inches, and on Saturday it reached a peak, with four and a half inches measured.

There was also drifting caused by near gale-force winds on Saturday in Jenkins Hill and the B2008 towards Eastchurch.

The 30-year-old said by tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday the temperatures will rise to between 4C, and 6C.

Although temperatures at the moment are no warmer than last week, the dew points have risen close to or above freezing, which means the snow has started to melt and become slushy.

Mr Prescott said the recent snow has been the most on the Island since 2005, when there was five and a half inches, although the snow on the mainland has been the worst since 1987.

He said: “In just a few miles it can vary a great deal; there was eight inches in Sittingbourne.

“The reason is because in Sheppey we are in prime position to benefit from the Thames Estuary which acts as a great big heater.

“Saturday morning was the peak – the snow was settling within about five minutes because there were no cars.”