As the UK grapples with the aftermath of days of flooding, a week-long cold snap is set to descend, bringing the possibility of snow and ice along with plummeting temperatures.
The Met Office forecasts warn that sleet and snow showers could fall today, with daytime temperatures struggling to rise above 4°C.
A widespread frost is anticipated in the morning, particularly in rural areas, where temperatures may dip down to -3°C or -4°C.
Adding to the weather challenges, an amber cold health alert has also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for much of the UK, encompassing the southwest of England throughout the week.
This alert, in place until noon on Friday, 12th January, is the second most serious health warning, signifying that the impact of the cold weather is likely to be felt across the entire health service.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, emphasised the importance of checking on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold. He stated, “With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the United Kingdom into next week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.”
A Met Office spokesperson gave an insight into the weather conditions expected this week, saying, “After a foggy, frosty start, it will be staying cold with temperatures no better than four or five degrees in the afternoon.”
“Add on the effects of quite a brisk eastern or northeasterly breeze, especially across the south and east of the UK, and it will feel more like -1°C or -2°C.”
