Cold weather alert issued for all of England

Story by Joe Acklam.

The UK Health and Security Agency has issued a Level Two and Level Three Cold Weather Alert for this week.

Met Office weather reports have shown that there is a 90% chance of severe cold weather, icy conditions, and snow for between Monday and Thursday.

Across London there is a 60% chance of this dangerous weather impacting the area.

A statement on the Met Office website said: "There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 0001 on Monday 06 Mar and 2359 on Thursday 09 Mar in parts of England.

"This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your Trust's emergency plan for appropriate preventive action.

"There is an increased confidence that a period of very cold weather will develop across the country from early next week, as a north or north-easterly airflow becomes established across the UK.

"The highest confidence is for northern parts where cold weather is expected to develop from early on Monday, progressing southwards through the day.

"Below average temperatures are expected throughout, bringing a widespread frost and wintry showers, these frequent along exposed windward coasts along with a risk of ice hazards.

"There is also a risk of more prolonged snow, perhaps due to rain pushing into the west from around midweek, although this is currently considered to be low confidence. This alert is likely to be updated and perhaps extended next week."

The Level Two warning is in place for London and the whole of the south of England, meaning that people should be alert and ready for the severe weather conditions.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "During periods like this, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather, as it can have a serious impact on health.

"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."