UK weather: Temperatures set to fall to -7C as cold health alert issued

Temperatures in parts of the UK could fall to -7C this week, as health chiefs issue the first cold weather alert for the season.

The yellow cold health alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Tuesday, is in place for the North West and West Midlands from 9am on Thursday to midday on Saturday.

The agency warned that low temperatures can lead to increased demand for health and care services, and called on people to check on loved ones and neighbours.

Temperatures are set to fall below average widely by Thursday and Friday, with frost predicted. They could drop to -6C or -7C in some frost-prone rural spots.

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Before then, we can expect frequent wintry showers with strong winds on Wednesday evening.

Colder conditions will then begin to move into the north, with snow showers expected in northern Scotland overnight on Wednesday.

Throughout the remainder of the week, northerly winds will lead to colder conditions across the rest of the country.

Overnight frosts are likely, particularly in the countryside, but will become confined to the south over the weekend.

See how temperatures today compare with previous years, and how this year's heatwaves and drought have either hit or missed your area. Search for your postcode or nearest city.

Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson said: "There may also be some fog, locally dense and freezing, though much less widespread and disruptive than recently.

"The colder weather will bring some welcome sunshine as the recent extensive cloud clears. A few showers are possible, turning wintry over northern hills.

"Sunday looks cloudier with some rain, ahead of milder and more unsettled conditions next week."

Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: "This is the first cold health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season.

"We're reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall.

"Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather."

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Nazir Hussain, clinical lead at the charity Asthma + Lung UK, added: "The freezing conditions forecast for the next few days could be particularly dangerous for the 12 million people in the UK living with a lung condition, with thousands rushed to hospital with respiratory illness every winter.

"If you have a lung condition take preventative steps to manage your health during the cold weather."

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