Experts say the weather will turn properly wintry this week and people should brace themselves for severe conditions.
The Met Office said an Arctic maritime airmass will push across the UK from the north this week bringing cold days, overnight frosts and a risk of wintry showers and snow.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Rebekah Sherwin said: “Temperatures will start to dip this week, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing in many places from mid-week onwards. However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells in many areas, particularly away from the coast.
““Showers will turn more wintry as the week goes on with a risk of snow at times. A yellow national Severe Weather Warning for snow has been issued for Wednesday covering northern Scotland. We can expect to see some snow and wintry showers further south as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or over higher ground. There will be widespread frosts with temperatures falling to as low as -10°C overnight in isolated spots by the end of the week.”
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert for all of England from Wednesday to Monday, December 12.
It said: “There is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions between 6pm on Wednesday and 9am on Monday in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.”
Dr Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at the agency, said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. In rooms you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18°C if you can. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.”
