Blitz Bureau
Wintry weather is tightening its grip in many parts of the UK, with sub-zero temperatures expected to plunge even lower than during the heavy snowfall of the past weekend. Temperatures are expected to fall as low as -20C in some areas.
A series of yellow weather warnings covering the next few days have already become active – with the latest warning over ice in parts of northern Wales, as well as areas in central and northern England.
The cold weather comes after another day of flooding causing havoc in central England but, with no further rainfall expected in flood-hit areas in the coming days, flood waters are likely to begin subsiding. An amber cold health alert – the second-highest level – covering all regions of England is in place until midday on January 12.
The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), warns the freezing conditions are likely to result in a rise in deaths, particularly among older and vulnerable people, and an increase in demand for health services.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said it was “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,” he said.
There were 102 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected, and 199 flood alerts.
Temperatures on January 7 night fell widely below freezing, with most of the UK waking up on January 7 to a frost.
Across England, the temperature fell to -6.3C in Shap, Cumbria, but even in southern England it was -6.1C at Benson, Oxfordshire. In Wales, the lowest temperature was -3.7C in Bala, Gwynedd.
