UK weather: Freezing temperatures this week will cause health issues, experts warn

Nicolas Cecil
·2 min read
A cold front is predicted this week (PA Archive)
A cold front is predicted this week (PA Archive)

Temperatures will plunge below zero this week with the freezing weather so cold there could be ‘serious consequences’, health chiefs warned on Monday.

Older people and individuals with heart or lung conditions are particularly at risk.

The UK Health Security Agency is urging people to take steps to keep warm.

Together with the Met Office, it warned that all regions of England will experience severe cold weather starting on the evening of Wednesday 7 December.

Temperatures are forecast to as low as minus three degrees C in parts of London on Wedneday night.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.

“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.

“Try to heat the rooms you use most, such as the living and bedroom, to at least 18°C if you can, and keep your bedroom windows closed at night.”

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, added:“Temperatures will start to dip this week, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing in many places from mid-week onwards.

“However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells in many areas, particularly away from the coast.”

UKHSA stressed that if people cannot afford to 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, it added.

It also advised that having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

The UKHSA also emphasised that 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.

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