Look out for vulnerable people as drop in temperature expected
With many parts of the East Midlands forecast to receive the first bout of cold this week, police and health officials have urged people to think about what they can do to keep warm and well during the cold.
Public Health England (PHE) has issued a weather warning with temperatures set to drop below zero in many places across the country.
The Met Office has forecast a short spell of cold for the East Midlands, West Midlands, north east, north west, and Yorkshire and Humber.
The cold, which could drop below zero degrees in many places, could also trigger some snowfall.
As a result, PHE is urging people all over the country to think about what they can do to keep warm and well during the cold.
Dr Owen Landeg of Public Health England, said: "This cold is likely to arrive late on Thursday and into Friday.
"Before then it’s really important to think about what you can do to prepare for the cold and protect more vulnerable friends and family from the ill-effects of the cold.
"Ensure they wear lots of thin layers, have plenty of warm food and drinks to stay warm and check weather forecasts before heading out.
"Also wear shoes with a good, slip-resistant grip to prevent any accidental falls.
"When indoors stay warm, heat homes to at least 18C and keep up to date with weather forecast - all of this is particularly important if anyone in the home is very young, 65 or over or has a long term heart or lung condition as they can feel the ill-effects of cold more than the rest of us."
Frank Saunders, chief meteorologist at the Met Office said: "It’s going to be cold over the next few days, with temperatures for many parts limited to between 3°C and 6°C through the day.
"Many of us will wake up to a frost on Friday and Saturday morning, before wet and windy weather moves in later on Saturday."
Stay Well This Winter offers some useful advice at staying warm and healthy.
A Met Office forecast for the East Midlands is as follows:
- Thursday (December 13)
A mostly dry day with bright or sunny spells, but the odd light shower near the Lincolnshire coast and on the Derbyshire hills can't be ruled out. Feeling cold in the southeasterly breeze. Maximum temperature 5°C.
- Thursday night (December 13)
A dry night to follow across the region with some clear spells, and with light winds, a widespread frost will develop away from the coast. Minimum temperature -3°C.
- Friday (December 14)
After a frosty start, Friday will be cold but generally dry with some sunshine, and just a small chance of the odd coastal shower. Maximum temperature 5°C.
- Outlook for Saturday to Monday (December 15 to 17):
Saturday cold and increasingly windy, with rain and possible hill snow later. Rain or showers clearing to sunny spells on Sunday, then early rain followed by sunny intervals Monday.