The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow cold health alerts for parts of England after a cold snap sent temperatures plunging to -7C, warning that the conditions could increase pressure on health services and pose a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
Alerts in force until Thursday
The alerts, which cover the North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber, came into force on Sunday night and will remain in place until 9am on Thursday. They indicate that the bone-chilling conditions are likely to have a "minor" impact on health and social care services.
Rain, hail and thunderstorms were also set to batter parts of Wales and southern England on Sunday (November 15).
Health advice for vulnerable groups
Paul Coleman, consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA, said: "This is the latest cold health alert of the season, and we can expect more as we move further into winter."
He added: "Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable."
Coleman also advised people to heat the rooms they use the most and dress warmly during colder spells.
Forecast: ice risk and wintry showers
Forecasters expect rain and winds to ease on Monday (November 16), but chilly air will move in from the north, bringing a return of freezing frost and fog. Temperatures on Monday are expected to be around 5-8C across most of the UK, with a stronger wind chill near eastern coasts, rising to 12C in the south on Tuesday. Those in the north east of Scotland should brace for further wintry showers.
Ethan Douglas, from the Met Office, said the cold conditions could lead to an ice risk on the roads, causing "potentially hazardous travelling conditions".
He added: "On Sunday night and Monday morning, there is the potential for some disruptive ice (given the preceding rain and cold night) and snow. The snow risk will be constrained to Scottish hills, bringing difficult driving conditions there."
The ice risk may be present more widely across the north of the UK, causing extended journey times and potentially hazardous travelling conditions.
The Met Office's forecast for Monday says: "A cold start with showers in the north and east easing leaving sunny spells. Sunshine turning hazy into the afternoon with rain and stronger winds moving into the southwest later."
