Urgent health warning to millions as cold snap set to hit Brits

A COLD weather alert has been issued to Brits as temperatures are set to plunge.

The UK Health Security Agency has warned that this dip could have ‘serious consequences for health’.

Experts have urged people to stay warm as temperatures are set to drop once more

The Met Office and UKHSA are warning that all regions of England will experience cold weather from 6pm on Sunday 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.

The Met Office said a level 2 warning has been activated, stating temperatures will fall below freezing.

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.

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.’’

Experts at the Met Office sat that from Sunday into early next week an area of high pressure will dominate the UK’s weather.

David Oliver, Deputy Chief forecaster at the Met Office said this will bring cold nights with widespread frost across the country.

Guidance from the Met Office states: “Cold nights and possible frost still possible across the south, with cloudier conditions becoming more likely across northern areas.

“Long clear spells overnight will allow temperatures to fall below freezing, with a widespread frost developing across England.

“Temperatures likely recovering during the day to near average for the time of year, but fall quickly into the evenings. Remaining dry throughout. There is low confidence currently regarding the longevity of the cold conditions from Tuesday.”

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.

The last cold weather health alert was issued on January 16 and was extended to January 26.

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