BRITS have been urged to ‘stay warm’ and look out for those at risk as a cold snap sweeps the UK this week.
Snow and ice have already caused havoc across the country, sparking travel chaos today.
Jordan CrosbyThe Artic blast is making its way towards the UK, with snow already falling in Kent this morning[/caption]
Stephen Huntley/HVCA car in Essex was this morning seen submerged in over 4ft of water following rain[/caption]
The Met Office has said that England will experience cold weather from now until Friday.
Overnight sleet will leave behind slippery surfaces which could cause “injuries from slips and falls” and “icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths”, experts said.
Forecasters have warned that some parts of the UK could drop to as low at -10C.
Now the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that as temperatures plummet, many people could be at risk of serious health conditions.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
“During this period, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be 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.”
The weather experts had predicted the icy conditions would start hitting across the UK from last night.
The mercury is set to fall as low as -2C in London, while temperatures could dip to -1C in Cardiff.
Edinburgh and Belfast residents are expected to feel the brunt of -3C conditions, while parts of the Scottish Highlands are set to see -10C.
Temperatures are also set to dip to -4C tomorrow in Kendal, Cumbria, and Dumfries in Scotland, the Met Office states.
Scotland’s yellow snow and ice warning is in place for almost three days after starting at 2pm yesterday and running until 10am on Wednesday.
Jason Kelly, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Cold, icy and sometimes snowy conditions are in the forecast this week with the UK seeing more of a north-westerly regime, with temperatures well below average for the time of year.
“Wintry showers are likely at points through the week in the north of England.
“Warnings have been issued and ice is likely to be a hazard for much of the week with some tricky travel conditions possible. Maximum temperatures will largely only reach the low single figures with temperatures below freezing through most nights this week.”
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.
Guidance states that 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.
“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,” they added.