Cold Snap to Bring Plummeting Temperatures for Over a Week
A severe cold snap is set to hit the UK, with temperatures dropping significantly and lasting for at least a week, prompting health alerts.
Bolton, UK, Cold Weather, Snow, Health Alerts, Met Office
Bolton: Get ready for some seriously chilly weather! Temperatures are expected to drop to around minus 8C this Thursday night, and it looks like this cold snap will stick around for at least a week.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued cold weather health alerts across England. They’re warning that the low temperatures could lead to health risks, especially for older folks and those with existing health issues.
Snow is on the way too! Bolton is expecting some flurries on Saturday, with temperatures dipping to -2C and barely getting above 5C in the days ahead.
Amber alerts are in effect from Thursday noon until January 8, indicating a rise in health risks, particularly for those aged 65 and older. The Met Office is also predicting that rural areas in Scotland and northern England could see temperatures plummet to minus 8C.
Wales and southern England won’t escape the cold either, with temperatures expected to hover between minus 4C and minus 5C.
Dan Stroud, a meteorologist, mentioned that we’ll see widespread frost tonight, from Land’s End to John O’Groats. He added that it’s going to be much colder than usual for this time of year.
While we might get a slight warm-up by the end of the weekend, don’t get too comfy. The cold is set to return early next week, especially on Monday and Tuesday.
Caroline Abrahams from Age UK pointed out that the government’s decision to limit winter fuel payments to only the poorest pensioners will be especially tough during this cold snap. Many older people are already reaching out, worried about how to cope.
She urged older folks to stay warm, even if it means spending a bit more on heating than they’d like. There’s help available from energy companies and local councils if needed.
On top of that, the Met Office has issued fresh warnings for ice ahead of the snow this weekend. Icy conditions could make travel tricky, especially in northern and western Scotland, and parts of Northern Ireland.
There’s a yellow warning in place from Thursday evening until Friday morning, so keep an eye out if you’re heading out.
As temperatures drop below freezing, untreated surfaces could become icy, so be careful out there!
Looking ahead, a yellow warning for snow is in effect from Saturday noon until Monday morning, covering most of England, Wales, and parts of southern Scotland. Expect about 5cm of snow in many areas, with even more in higher ground.
Strong winds could create snow drifts, and as temperatures rise, freezing rain could add to the ice risk.
In London, councils have activated emergency protocols to help those sleeping rough during these freezing conditions, providing extra beds for those in need.
Lastly, a major incident in Greater Manchester due to flooding has been called off, and emergency services are now focusing on recovery efforts. Thankfully, there have been no serious injuries reported.