UK weather: Amber alert to last another FOUR DAYS as bitter sub zero freeze continues to grip Britain
GB NEWS
The Met Office has warned of freezing conditions gripping much of the nation into next week
Britons have been hit with an extended amber warning of cold weather to last for the next four days as many prepare to experience sub zero temperatures.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) decided to extend the warning to Tuesday morning after the Met Office warned of freezing conditions that will grip the nation well into next week.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “This weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital that we continue to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
The forecast has followed the UK recording its coldest January night in 15 years - with temperatures falling as low as -16C in some northern areas of Scotland
PA
The forecast has followed the UK recording its coldest January night in 15 years - with temperatures falling as low as -16C in some northern areas of Scotland.
In an attempt to mitigate the risks imposed by the wintry weather, the UKHSA has provided guidance for Britons, such as checking in with those who might be particularly affected by such conditions, including vulnerable people.
Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick said: "It's going to be another cold couple of days, and recovering into the early part of next week.
"Anywhere across the UK is likely to see those temperatures dipping below freezing and likely to see quite severe frost and ice to form overnight tonight."
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Eslick added: “Sunday will still be a chilly one, but not as cold as what we've seen for today and for tomorrow.
"By Monday, we are expecting the temperatures to come back up to what we would expect for this time of year, which is around sort of 7C (or) 8C.
The icy temperatures over the week have brought a fair amount of travel disruption to trains and planes, as Transport for Wales closed some rail lines altogether due to damage done to the track following “heavy wind, rain and snow”.
Manchester Airport also closed its runways on Thursday morning as a result of “significant levels of snow”.
The Government has also urged Brits to stay indoors, while keeping all living areas heated to at least 18C and, if you must leave home, it has been advised that you layer up
PA
A Government-issued amber alert signals that the impact of such cold weather will impact the whole health service for an extended amount of time - as the risk could affect the whole population.
In some cases, a co-ordinated response is necessary.
The Government has also urged Brits to stay indoors, while keeping all living areas heated to at least 18C and, if you must leave home, it has been advised that you layer up.
Those who might face more of a struggle to endure the glacial weather have been told to seek assistance where necessary, including reaching out to local council and charities, who might be able to provide further information.