Urgent health warning to millions with temperatures set to plunge below 0C in hours

MILLIONS of Britons have received an urgent health warning as temperatures look set to drop below 0C in hours.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is advising people to keep warm and keep an eye out for vulnerable people with the cold weather coming later today.

2

Both the Met Office and UKHSA say all regions in England will be affected by the adverse weather from 6pm on 5 February to 6pm on 7 February.

Temperatures could drop as low as -3C in rural areas and frost is expected, according to the latest weather forecast.

The Met Office says temperatures are expected to drop to a low of -2C in parts of Wales and south-west England on Monday morning.

Temperatures will also drop around -1C below freezing in most of the Midlands and Northern England.

Temperatures in Northern Ireland and central Scotland will be much warmer, reaching 5C or even 6C early.

Temperatures will drop at night, but are not expected to drop below the mid single digits during the daytime during the cold spell.

dr Agostinho Sousa, Public Health Medicine Advisor at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious health consequences, with the elderly and those with heart or lung conditions being particularly at risk.

“It’s important to look after family, friends and loved ones who are more vulnerable to the cold weather.

“If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important that you try to heat your home to at least 18°C ​​whenever possible.”

The Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, David Oliver, said: “A high pressure area will dominate the UK weather from Sunday until early next week.

“This will bring some cold nights with widespread frosts across the country.

“During the day, however, temperatures will recover to around the mid-single digits, which is near-normal for the time of year.”

Despite the health warning, many people are struggling to heat their homes due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and difficulties in paying their energy bills.

If people are struggling, the UKHSA has advised they seek help from Simple Energy Advice, which offers free advice on energy efficiency and national grants available to keep you warm this winter.

If people cannot afford all the rooms they use, they are encouraged to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before bedtime.

It’s also recommended to wear multiple layers of thinner clothing that will keep you warmer than a thicker layer.

Having plenty of warm food and drink is also effective in keeping you warm.

2