UK Weather: Temperatures Dip 5C First as Cold Alerts Begin
Health alerts cover parts of England as Arctic air brings frost and below-zero temperatures. Rural areas could fall to minus 5C, while forecasters say milder Atlantic air should spread in by the weekend.
UK health officials have issued the season’s first cold health alerts for parts of England, with temperatures expected to fall as low as minus 5C in rural areas. The alerts cover the West Midlands and north west England as Arctic air moves across the country.
It will feel cold. Overnight temperatures in many towns and cities are forecast to drop below zero, bringing the most widespread frost of the season so far.
The yellow alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), run from 09:00 GMT on Thursday until 12:00 GMT on Saturday. The agency said the cold snap “is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services” and poses a “greater risk to life of vulnerable people”.
After clearer, brighter conditions on Wednesday, a weather front is expected to bring rain and slightly milder air to southern Britain, with highs of 10 to 14C. Arctic air is forecast to move south later in the day.
Strong northerly winds are expected over northern and eastern Scotland on Wednesday night, with gusts exceeding 50mph. Sleet and snow are possible in Shetland, Orkney and northern Scotland, and snow may settle on higher ground.
Thursday is expected to bring widespread frost to the northern half of the UK, while the south stays somewhat milder in the morning. Many areas should see sunshine in the afternoon, though wintry showers may continue in the far north. Daytime highs are expected to reach about 7C.
On Friday, air temperatures are forecast to fall below zero from Scotland to southern England. Most towns and cities are expected to hover around zero or just below, while rural areas in Scotland and southern England could reach minus 5C.
Western and south-western coastal counties are expected to be less cold because the sea and an onshore breeze will limit frost. After a frosty morning, inland highs are forecast to reach 6 or 7C.
Some southern and eastern areas are expected to have cold, frosty nights on Saturday and Sunday. Milder weather is forecast to spread from the Atlantic by the weekend, making the cold snap brief for most.
