Exact time urgent health weather warning hits UK as temperatures plunge to -3C
BRITS are braced for an urgent health weather warning as temperatures plunge to a bone-chilling -3C.
The UK Health Security Agency said a level 2 warning has been activated, stating temperatures will fall below freezing.
It warns that this dip could have “serious consequences for health” for the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions.
The Met Office and UKHSA are warning that all regions of England will start experiencing cold weather on Sunday evening.
The warning will come into place on 6pm tomorrow and will last until 6pm on Tuesday.
Medics have encouraged people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.
Both the weather service and the agency say the cold snap could see temperatures could fall to -3C in rural areas and frost is expected.
According to the Met Office, temperatures are expected to fall to a low of -2C on Monday morning in parts of Wales and the south west of England.
Most of the Midlands and northern England will also see temperatures drop below freezing at around the -1C mark.
Temperatures in Northern Ireland and central Scotland will be much warmer, hitting 5C or even 6C early on.
Temperatures will plunge at night, but are not expected to fall below mid-single figures in the daytime during the chilly spell.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, with older people and those with heart or lung conditions particularly at risk.
“It’s important to check in on family, friends and relatives who are more vulnerable to the cold weather.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18C if you can.”
David Oliver, a deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “From Sunday and into early next week an area of high pressure will dominate the UK’s weather.
“This will bring some cold nights with a widespread frost across the country. However, by day temperatures will recover to around mid-single figures, near normal for the time of year.”
However, while advice is in place urging people to heat their homes, many cannot afford to due to the cost of living crisis.
If people are struggling, the UKHSA has advised they seek help from Simple Energy Advice which provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.