UK
Weather: Cold alert issued for England as experts offer advice on how to stay well during low temperatures
A cold weather alert has been issued for the whole of England – as people are urged to keep warm and check up on those more vulnerable to the chilly conditions.
The warning is from 6pm on Sunday until 6pm on Tuesday, and all regions are set to have cold nights and overnight frosts.
However, by day, temperatures are expected to recover to around mid-single figures in celsius, which is near normal for this time of the year.
Over the course of this winter, a number of cold alerts have already been published.
Experts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office are encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.
Older people and those with heart and lung conditions are particularly vulnerable as “cold weather can have serious consequences for health”, according to the UKHSA.
The agency’s Dr Agostinho Sousa, who is a consultant in public health medicine, said: “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.”
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David Oliver, the Met Office’s deputy chief forecaster, 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.”
The UKHSA says that if people cannot heat all the rooms they use, it is 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, the agency said.
It added: “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.”