Great Britain
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

UK cold weather alert as temperatures plummet and Met Office issues snow update

A warning has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as a cold snap looms from Sunday (February 5).

People are being encouraged to stay warm and look out for one another as best as possible as colder temperatures hit the UK compared to recent days.

Brits are being told to try and keep their homes to at least 18C as the Met Office shared its latest snow forecast.

READ MORE: 'Exotic' plant-based woolly mammoth burgers could be 'meatier' than a McDonalds Big Mac

The cold weather is expected to settle in until 6pm on Tuesday February 7.

David Oliver, 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.

The UK is expecting colder weather from Sunday (stock)
The UK is expecting colder weather from Sunday (stock)

“However, by day temperatures will recover to around mid-single figures, near normal for the time of year.”

Despite the UKHSA's warning, temperatures will not be particularly colder than those typically expected for this time of year.

A spokesperson from the Met Office told the Daily Star: “Particularly mild so far this week and today and tomorrow.

“So from Sunday, we do have some colder air coming in from the north northwest.

"But it's actually just bringing temperatures down to more average for this time of year that things are turning frostier from Sunday and into the beginning of next week.

There is a less than 5% chance of snow in the east of England (stock)
There is a less than 5% chance of snow in the east of England (stock)

“It's going to feel colder but it’s quite average for the time of year.

Discussing the chance of snowfall, they added: “There was a risk of [colder, snowier weather] encroaching into the East [of the UK]. It's now less than 5% so very low risk.

“[There are] no warnings or impacts anticipated.”

Despite this, the UKHSA has warned that the drop in temperature could cause issues for some.

To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.

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 18°C if you can.”

The UKHSA has issued a warning ahead of the colder spell (stock)
The UKHSA has issued a warning ahead of the colder spell (stock)

Mr Oliver added: “UKHSA has supplemented the cold weather plan for England with useful resources and advice on the risks of cold weather and tips for staying warm and well this winter.

“For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

“If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep.”

He added: “Wearing several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.”

READ NEXT: