The Met Office has warned that a cold week is in store for the UK with a risk of snow and ice.
And with temperatures set to plummet a public health expert has advised people to make sure their homes are heated to a certain temperature.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert for all parts of England - which will be in place from the evening of Wednesday, December 7 to Monday, December 12. Cold wins from the north will push across the UK which will see temperatures begin to drop dramatically, with many places potentially seeing freezing temperatures, according to the Met Office.
However, cold air from the arctic coming in means that conditions will also be brighter this week with some sunny spells in different areas. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, noted that rainy conditions will become "more wintry" as the week goes on, bringing with it a risk of snow.
She added: "A yellow National Severe Weather Warning for snow has been issued for Wednesday covering northern Scotland. We can expect to see some snow and wintry showers further south as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or over higher ground.
"There will be widespread frosts with temperatures falling to as low as -10°C overnight in isolated spots by the end of the week.” The UKHSA is also urging people to remain cautious as the cold weather can impact those with negative health.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.
"In rooms you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18°C if you can. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.”
The Met Office has highlighted that it is not yet clear how long the cold spell will last for, but that it is expect to stay cold well into next week as temperatures remain below average for this time of year.
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