[F]resh winter health warnings are being sounded by Public Health England (PHE) after forecasts said next week will see temperatures fall and snow and ice for some.
The Met Office has forecast that temperatures will drop over the weekend and to prepare for a prolonged spell of cold.
Dr Thomas Waite, of PHE’s Extreme Events team, said: “Cold temperatures, indoors and out, pose real health risks to many and every winter we know that thousands of people get ill and even die following exposure to cold conditions.
“As forecasters tell us next week temperatures will fall, it’s critical that if you know anyone over 65, with young children or who has heart or lung conditions, that you keep an eye on them and think what help they may need. Staying warm by heating your home to at least 18°C can be crucial to stay well.”
Paul Gunderson Chief Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office said: “Cold weather is currently established across the country with widespread overnight frosts.
“However colder conditions are expected to extend westwards across England during the weekend bringing a significant, and prolonged period of wintry weather.
“During Monday and Tuesday, snow showers are expected to move into eastern areas, before spreading westwards across England. These have the potential to align into bands, bringing some significant accumulations.
“Not everyone will see snowfall, however 5cm to 10cm is possible where showers do line up, with the greatest risk across eastern and southeastern counties.
“These will also be accompanied by bitterly cold temperatures, and a significant wind chill. These cold, wintery conditions are then expected to continue Wednesday, and likely beyond.”
