Freezing temperatures appear to be set to stay for a while according to weather experts. The Met Office has said the cold weather will continue for the coming days.
A number of weather warnings are currently in place across the country for wintry hazards. Now the Met Office has said the UK will stay cold through the weekend and next week with the risk of sleet and snow at times continuing, especially in coastal areas, with overnight frosts, severe at times.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: “It is staying cold with daytime temperatures remaining only a few degrees above freezing in many places over the coming days and overnight temperatures dropping to -10°C or lower in isolated spots. Although below average, these temperatures are not that unusual for this time of year.
“There is still a risk we could see some freezing fog in places particularly southern England, especially for Sunday and Monday mornings. And there is also a small risk of a band of sleet or snow moving into the far Southeast on Sunday. If this happens it could potentially bring some disruption, especially to rush hour on Monday. A warning has been issued.”
"More severe weather warnings for wintry hazards could well be needed as we head through the weekend and next week." The latest weather warnings will be on the Met Office website.
The cold air from the Arctic is also bringing brighter conditions for many, with some dry and sunny weather, particularly away from coasts. A Level 3 Cold Weather Alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering all of England and is currently in place until Friday, December 16.
There is lots of advice on the Met Office website on how to prepare for cold weather. 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.”
Darren Clark, Severe Weather Resilience Manager at National Highways, said: “Gritters continue to undertake salt spreading over the coming days where needed during the first significant operation of this autumn and winter season on motorways and major A-roads amid colder temperatures across the country.
“National Highways is committed to treating every road which needs to be treated – whenever it is needed. We are armed with the latest technology, forecasting intelligence and years of experience to help us make informed decisions about where and when we need to spread salt to help keep road users safe in even the most adverse weather conditions.”
National Highways has lots of advice on its website around travelling in severe weather conditions, including high winds and gales, fog, rain and snow and ice. Visit their travelling in severe weather web page.
You can check the latest forecast on our website, by following us on Twitter and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store. Keep track of current weather warnings on the weather warning page.
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