Cumbria is heading for a big freeze next week.
The Met Office said there is a risk of unsettled weather due to freezing temperatures which could lead to sleet and snow.
It added that there is an increasing risk of potentially disruptive weather at some point during the next two weeks – but that confidence is low for predicting exactly when the weather will arrive.
Widespread frosts are also set to continue bringing a risk of ice and brisk northerly winds along with further snow showers are expected in the coming weeks.
XC Weather said temperatures are set to reach up to minus six degrees and that it may feel more like minus nine degrees in apparent temperature.
The forecaster said snow showers are most likely on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow cold health alert for Cumbria in response to the forecast from noon today until noon on Thursday 18.
It added that the alert may be upgraded to amber on Sunday for some regions and that significant impacts are possible on the health and social care network due to the weather conditions.
Cumberland Council has shared the following advice on staying warm during the colder weather:
- Try to keep warm inside and outdoors to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems
- Eat regularly and try to have at least one hot meal a day along with regular hot drinks
- Heat your main living room to around 18 to 21 degrees and the rest of the house to at least 16 degrees
- Heat all the rooms you use during the day
- If you can’t heat all your rooms, make sure you keep your living room warm throughout the day and heat your bedroom before going to bed
- Set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed
- In very cold weather, set the heating to come on earlier rather than turning the thermostat up, so you won’t be cold while you wait for your home to heat up
It also issued the following advice for staying warm during the night:
- Keep the temperature above 18 degrees in your bedroom.
- If you use a fire or heater in your bedroom during winter, open the window or door a little at night for ventilation.
- To prevent the risk of electrocution, avoid using an electric blanket with a hot water bottle.
- To prevent the risk of scalds or burns, make sure you fill your hot water bottles with warm water – never use boiling water.
- If you have an electric blanket check what type it is – some are designed to only warm the bed before you get in and should not to be used throughout the night.
- Make sure your heating is safe and your house or workplace is properly ventilated, to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
People should also remain in contact with friends and family and check on elderly relatives or neighbours who might need help where possible.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has also urged residents to be careful while heating their homes during cold weather.
The fire service is promoting its advice alongside the council on the safe use of open fires, portable heaters and electric blankets.
Andrew Lowes, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Station Manager for Prevention, said: “As the temperature drops, householders inevitably have a greater reliance on household heating devices to stay warm.
“This comes with risks, however, as around two fires a day are caused by heaters, and 65 fires a year are caused by faulty electric blankets.
“We therefore encourage everyone to follow our advice to keep themselves and their homes warm – and safe – this winter.
“We also reiterate the importance of ensuring your detection devices, including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, are in full working order.”
The service issued the following tips for open fires:
- Be careful when using open fires to keep warm. Make sure you always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers.
- Make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go to bed.
- Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.
Portable heaters:
- Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes.
- Always unplug electric heaters when you go out or go to bed.
- Try to secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over.
- Only use gas or paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas. Heaters consume oxygen so you could suffocate if a room.
Electric blankets:
- Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off.
- Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use.
- Store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring.
- Test electric blankets every three years.
- Try not to buy second-hand blankets and check regularly for wear and tear. Replace your blanket when it is more than 10 years old.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
