Health warning to elderly and vulnerable with temperatures set to plunge below 0C in hours

AN urgent health warning has been issued to the elderly and vulnerable with temperatures due to plunge below 0C in hours.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is advising people to stay warm and to look out for any vulnerable people as the cold weather is due later today.

Both the Met Office and UKHSA say all regions in England will be affected by the adverse weather from 6pm February 5 to 6pm February 7.

According to the latest weather forecast, temperatures could drop to as low as -3C in rural areas and frost is expected.

Most of the Midlands and northern England will also see temperatures drop below freezing at around the -1C mark.

The Met Office says temperatures are expected to fall below 0C as early as 6am in parts of Wales and the south west of England.

Temperatures in Northern Ireland and central Scotland will be much warmer, hitting 5C or even 6C early on.

Temperatures will plunge at night, but are not expected to fall below mid-single figures in the daytime during the chilly spell.

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 18°C if you can.”

Deputy Chief forecaster at the Met Office, David Oliver, said: “From Sunday and into early next week an area of high pressure will dominate the UK’s weather.

“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.”

Although the health warning is in place, many people have been struggling to heat their homes due to the ongoing cost of living crisis and having difficulty paying their energy bills.

If people are struggling, the UKHSA has advised they seek help from  which provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t afford all the rooms they use, they are urged to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep.

People are also advised to wear several layers of thinner clothing which will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.

Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective to keep you warm.