A cold weather alert has been issued across England as freezing and snowy conditions hit this week.
People have been encouraged by the UK’s Health Security Agency to stay warm and keep an eye on those most at risk.
Retirees and people with pre-existing conditions are advised to heat their homes to at least 18°C.
However, government experts have admitted this may not be possible for some after energy bills have skyrocketed.
It comes after the Met Office put in place amber warnings for snow and ice on Sunday.
The nation will experience a four-day cold from 9 am to 9 am Friday, Jan. 20, forecasters have warned.
Temperatures are “well below average for the time of year’ and transport chaos could be sparked by ice,” reports Metro.
Jason Kelly, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Cold, icy and sometimes snowy conditions are in the forecast this week with the UK seeing more of a north-westerly regime, with temperatures well below average for the time of year,” reports Metro.
It comes after wintry conditions drove in from the Arctic over the weekend and people in areas such as Hexham, Northumberland woke up to snow still on Monday.
A low of minus 9.1C was recorded overnight at Dalwhinnie in the Highlands, the Met Office said.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and public health at the UKHSA, warned that cold weather can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and lung infections, particularly among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
“During this period, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather”, he added, reports Metro.
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