Cold weather alert issued (5th to 7th February)

With low temperatures and widespread overnight frosts forecast across England from Sunday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office and UKHSA are warning that all regions of England will experience cold weather from 6pm on Sunday 5 February to 6pm on Tuesday 7 February.

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.

David Oliver, a Deputy Chief forecaster at the Met Office, 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.

UKHSA has supplemented the cold weather plan for England with useful resources and advice on the risks of cold weather and tips for staying warm and well this winter.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.