Health officials have activated a cold weather alert for London as an Arctic blast sends temperatures tumbling across the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warning came into force at midday on Monday and will remain in place until 8am on Saturday, November 22. Temperatures in the capital are expected to drop to as low as zero degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday nights, with daytime highs of only 5C or 6C. Some forecasters predict sleet may fall in London.
Meanwhile, a more serious amber cold weather health alert has been issued for North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, covering the same period. The UKHSA warned of “significant impacts across health and social care services”, including a potential rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions.
The Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings for parts of Scotland from Monday to Thursday, following a spell of above-average temperatures. Scotland recorded its coldest night since March on Saturday, with temperatures falling to minus 7C at Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands. Chief forecaster Paul Gundersen said scattered showers would bring a risk of icy conditions on roads and pavements in the north-east and far north of mainland Scotland on Monday night, with rain turning to snow as it moves inland. He added that accumulations of 2-5cm were possible above 150 metres, and 5-10cm above 400 metres.
Deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree said Wednesday to Friday would be the coldest part of the week, with temperatures potentially dropping to minus 10C overnight. Wintry snow showers are expected to extend south through Wednesday and into Thursday, mainly affecting north-facing coastal areas. Snow accumulations of 2-5cm could occur in low-lying areas in the north and east, while 5-10cm is possible on hills in parts of Northern Ireland, north-east England and Scotland. Above 300 metres, accumulations of 15-20cm are possible in parts of north-eastern England and Scotland. “With sub-zero temperatures in the first cold snap of the year, updates to the current warnings are possible, so it's important people keep up to date with the forecast,” he said.
