The severe conditions, brought on by an Arctic sea air mass and expected to start on Wednesday afternoon and last until Monday 12 December, could lead to disruption and increased health risks for vulnerable people. The level 3 alert, which requires social and health care services to take action to protect high-risk groups, comes as temperatures are expected to drop across much of the UK late on Wednesday. Dr Agostinho Sousa, UKHSA medical public health adviser, said: “Cold weather can have serious health consequences and the elderly and those with heart or lung conditions may be at particular risk. “If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. In rooms you use the most, such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18C if you can. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing multiple layers of clothing will keep you warmer than a thicker layer.” Temperatures are expected to remain well below average for the time of year into next week. The Met Office warned of very cold nights with “widespread frosts” and said that from midweek in many places temperatures will “struggle to get above freezing”. Winter rains are forecast to affect some coastal areas and may reach some inland areas, causing frost. Rebekah Sherwin, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Temperatures will start to fall this week, with daytime temperatures struggling to break above freezing in many places from midweek onwards. However, cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells in many areas, particularly away from the coast. The rain will turn more wintry as the week continues with a risk of snow at times.” The Met Office has issued a yellow national snow warning for Wednesday in northern Scotland. But winter rains could also drift south, Sherwin added. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. “We can expect to see some snow and wintry showers further south as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or higher ground. There will be widespread frost with temperatures falling as low as -10C overnight in isolated spots by the end of the week.” The RAC advised drivers to make sure their vehicles were ‘winter ready’ after an unusually mild autumn by checking tires and batteries.
