The North West has been placed under a yellow alert
Households are being warned of a drop in temperature over the weekend. The colder conditions come as an easterly wind sweeps across across the UK, bringing with it a risk of wintry hazards like snow and ice.
The weather agency has warned that Scotland is likely to see the coldest temperatures, plummeting to -7C in rural areas, while southern parts of England are also expected to see sub-zero temperatures over the weekend. Cold weather alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for several areas of England.
The North West has been placed under a yellow cold-health alert as the UKHSA states “forecast weather is likely to have minor impacts on health and social services.” An increased risk is posed to elderly people and there will be an increased use of healthcare services used by vulnerable people.
The alert affects the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber, and the South East from 9am Friday February 7th until 9am Feb 11th. Ahead of the cold snap, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: “While some areas will see showers or some patchy rain on Friday and through the weekend, there will be the potential for some sleet or snow as temperatures drop, mostly over higher ground in central and southern areas. The cold will be accentuated at times by brisk easterly winds.
“There will be variable, and at times large amounts of cloud over the coming days with the clearest and sunniest weather across the northwest of the UK. There will also be icy patches and overnight frost in places. Whilst, for most, the weather is not expected to be disruptive, keep an eye on the Met Office website for any National Severe Weather Warnings.”
A key piece of advice from the Met Office is to stay active when the cold weather hits, even if you are stuck inside because of the weather. This will help your body to keep warm, and thereby help to stave off winter illnesses like colds, flu and more serious health problems.
The Met Office forecast for the North West for tomorrow states: “A chilly start but remaining mostly cloudy on Saturday with a few wintry flurries over the hills in the east. Feeling cold with lighter winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.”
Looking ahead to Sunday and through to Tuesday, they add: “Occasional brighter spells developing on Sunday. Cold start on Monday and Tuesday with showers, wintry over the hills. Feeling cold, especially in the brisk wind.”
