The UK has issued its first yellow cold-health alerts ahead of cold temperatures across the British Isles later this week.
Beginning at 9 am Thursday and lasting until noon on Saturday, a yellow alert has been issued for the North West and West Midlands, which will see temperatures drop below freezing.
The UKHSA issues yellow cold-health alerts during periods of cold which will impact particularly vulnerable people.
Those aged 65 and older, with pre-existing conditions, and other vulnerable groups are at much higher risk during these warnings.
Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said: ‘This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season. It is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable.
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‘We’re also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall. Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather.’
Near Scotland, temperatures will plummet to -5°C – and nearby, the mercury isn’t much warmer.
In London, temperatures at night will reach the negatives beginning on Thursday and lasting through Saturday.
The Met Office notes: ‘Feeling chilly over the next few days under northerly winds, with plenty of sunny spells on offer by day and frost by night. Blustery showers persist in the north.’
It added: ‘Into December, confidence becomes low, but there is a possibility that low pressure tracks shift further south as high pressure builds to the north.
‘This could bring further rain at times to central and southern areas, while northern parts become somewhat drier.
‘Temperatures will probably be near or slightly above average in the south, with an increasing chance of colder conditions extending southwards from the north into December.’
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