People are being warned to expect plummeting temperatures this week with the Met Office issuing a severe cold weather alert for England.
The level three, or amber, cold weather alert was sent out on Monday morning and warns of severe conditions in England between 6pm on Wednesday and 9am on Monday, December 12. The alert requires social and healthcare services to take action to protect high-risk groups.
Temperatures are expected to turn colder across much of the UK late on Wednesday and through Thursday as air from the Arctic spreads south across the country. The Met Office said that very cold nights are expected with "widespread and potentially severe frosts".
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Daytime temperatures are expected to be near or just above freezing. Wintry showers are also likely to affect some coasts, with the Met Office forecasting they may push into some inland areas at times, bringing a risk of icy patches. Scroll down to see the five-day forecast for the North East.
Meanwhile, the RAC has advised drivers to check their vehicles are "winter ready", with properly inflated tyres that have good tread. Rod Dennis, RAC spokesperson, said: "With temperatures plummeting this week, many drivers might be taken aback by the cold after an exceptionally mild autumn. Drivers with older batteries in their cars might also wish to give their vehicle a 20-minute drive before colder conditions arrive to ensure the battery can cope with sub-zero temperatures."
The Met Office has advised people to try and maintain indoor temperatures of at least 18C, saying this is particularly relevant for those who are not mobile, have a long-term illness or are 65 or over. It has also asked people to "look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold", ensuring they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.
The Met Office's cold weather alert system operates in England from November 1 to March 31, every year, in association with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The system comprises five levels of response based on cold weather thresholds which are designed to trigger an alert when severe cold weather is likely to significantly affect people's health.
North East weather forecast
Monday:
A largely cloudy day with brisk winds continuing to spread showers inland from the North Sea. Some brighter spells possible, mainly during the afternoon, but staying cold throughout. Maximum temperature 6°C.
Monday night:
Most parts dry for a time during the evening. Further showers then likely, especially along the coast after midnight. Western parts staying drier, with clear spells, but also frost patches. Minimum temperature 0°C.
Tuesday:
Further showers expected, most likely along coastal parts with western areas drier. However any showers across hills potentially turning wintry. Otherwise variable cloud and sunny spells but staying rather cold. Maximum temperature 4°C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Very cold, especially overnight with widespread frosts. Often sunny, however daytime temperatures remaining close to freezing. Showers, most likely along coasts, increasingly wintry to lower levels with icy patches possible.
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