UK weather: Britain to freeze as temperatures plummet to -3C sparking risk to health

Brits are freezing in bone-chilling lows of -3C as a cold weather health warning urges the public to stay warm and check on vulnerable friends and neighbours.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold weather health warning as the nation braces for freezing conditions over the next few hours.

An official advisory from the government agency is in place for all of England until 6pm on Tuesday. Temperatures will stay below freezing overnight in many areas tonight, with lows of -3C expected in the south and Midlands.

The elderly and those with certain health conditions have been asked to pay particular attention to the UKHSA warning and consider turning up their heating to at least 18C.

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.

A warning has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for cold weather today (PA)

"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."

David Oliver, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said the cold snap was the result of a dominant front of high pressure.

He commented: "This will bring some cold nights with a widespread frost across the country. However, by day temperatures will recover to around mid-single figures, near normal for the time of year."

UK weather forecast:

Largely settled, rain and stronger winds in the northwest.

Today:

Cloudy and windy in the far north and northwest with rain or drizzle at times. Elsewhere, isolated fog patches clearing this morning leaving a dry day with long spells of sunshine and light winds.

Tonight:

Clear spells leading to a widespread frost and more extensive fog across southern areas. Cloudier in central and northern areas. Rain and strong winds developing in the northwest.

Tuesday:

Cloud and outbreaks of rain affecting Scotland and Northern Ireland, clearing from the far northwest later. Further south, fog slowly clearing to sunny spells with temperatures near average.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Most places dry with sunny spells, but windy with showers or longer spells of rain at times in the northwest. Some overnight fog and frost in the south.