The UK is bracing for a significant drop in temperatures, with forecasts predicting lows of -7C in some areas, prompting cold health alerts across several regions.
Sub-zero temperatures are expected overnight for many over the coming days, increasing the risk of icy patches and the possibility of snow in southern parts of the country.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow cold health alerts for several regions in England, including the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the South East. These alerts, in effect from Friday morning until Tuesday morning, signify that the cold weather could lead to increased demand on healthcare services, particularly from vulnerable individuals, and pose a greater risk to their lives.
Adding to the concern, a lung charity has issued a warning to people with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, urging them to take extra precautions during this period of cold weather.
Stephen Dixon, spokesman for the Met Office, said: “What we’re seeing with the UK’s weather over the next few days is the influence of high pressure and the development of south easterly air flow which will see temperatures drop for many.
“Overnight we could see temperatures drop as low as minus 7C in rural parts of Scotland from Friday into the weekend.
“Further south we’re still likely to see through the weekend sub-zero temperatures.
“Rural parts of southern Wales could reach minus 4C from Friday overnight into the weekend.”
Mr Dixon said it would be a “cold period” but not “historically noteworthy”.
Day-time temperatures will be “slightly below” the average maximum for February which is 7C, he said.
Mr Dixon said: “February has started warmer than average, so it’s going to be a return to more typical February averages, albeit a bit colder.”
He added: “From Friday, there’s a chance of some snow drifting in to parts of the south of England and south Wales, however this is relatively short-lived, it’s not expected to be impactful at the moment.”
He said higher ground in south Wales could see a couple of centimetres of snow.
And there is a chance of icy patches developing over the coming days, which could be a hazard, especially overnight, the forecaster added.
Saturday is likely to be a grey day for many, drier in the north but rain for many in the south of England, while showers will continue on Sunday but it will be a bit drier, according to Mr Dixon.
There is also a chance of wintry showers on Monday, which is something the Met Office is keeping an eye on, Mr Dixon said.
Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Cold weather can be dangerous if you have a lung condition as it can bring on symptoms like coughing, wheezing and leave you struggling to breathe. This is because cold air can cause the airways to narrow, which can increase the amount of mucus produced and make breathing harder.
“Cold, dry air can also irritate the airways and worsen symptoms of asthma and other lung conditions and weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight respiratory infections like colds and flu which are still doing the rounds.
“We would urge anyone with a lung condition to be careful and make sure they are protected against the cold.
“The most important thing to do is ensure you are using your preventer inhaler regularly as prescribed if you use one, as this builds up protection in the airways over time and always have your inhaler reliever with you, in case you do feel symptoms coming on.”