Millions of people across the UK are struggling to heat their homes as temperatures are set to plummet to as low as -10C this weekend, raising fears of a winter energy crisis. The Met Office has issued yellow snow and ice warnings for London and south-east England, with nearly four inches of snow possible in southern parts of the country.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a level three cold weather alert covering England until Monday. Temperatures have already fallen to -9C in Benson, South Oxfordshire. Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said the cold spell is expected to last at least seven days, with potential for it to continue longer. He warned of hazards including freezing fog, particularly on Sunday and Monday mornings in southern England.
More than 3,200 warm banks run by councils and charities are providing heating to those who cannot afford it, according to the Warm Welcome Campaign. Many are a third or half full, offering services from hot tea to workspace. Save the Children said 194 of 355 councils in England and Wales are supporting warm spaces this winter. Councillor Richard Wenham of the Local Government Association said such emergency schemes should not become the norm and are not a sustainable solution to the cost-of-living crisis.
The National Grid warned on Wednesday that energy margins are expected to be tighter this week, particularly due to low wind forecasts, which will reduce renewable generation from turbines. The cold weather payments of £25 have been triggered for eligible households in areas where average temperatures are recorded or forecast at 0C or below for seven consecutive days. Research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation indicates many households are struggling to afford warm clothing, heating, and food, with over 700,000 already in arrears on essentials.
Age UK advised people to maintain supplies of food and medicine to reduce outdoor trips, and to have torches with spare batteries in case of power cuts. The weekend is seen as the first real test of Britain's ability to navigate squeezed gas supplies amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which continues to push up prices.
