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4 hours ago
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Temperatures are expected to plummet as low as -7C (19F) in parts of the UK and cold-health alerts have been issued.
Subzero overnight temperatures are likely in many areas over the coming days, with a risk of icy patches developing and a chance of snow in the south, the Met Office said.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow cold-health alerts for England in the north-east, north-west, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the south-east, from 9am on Friday until 9am on Tuesday.
This means the weather is likely to lead to an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, and a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
A lung charity warned people with conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to be on their guard.
Stephen Dixon, a spokesperson for the Met Office, said: “What we’re seeing with the UK’s weather over the next few days is the influence of high pressure and the development of south-easterly air flow which will see temperatures drop for many.
“Overnight we could see temperatures drop as low as -7C in rural parts of Scotland from Friday into the weekend.
“Further south, we’re still likely to see through the weekend subzero temperatures. Rural parts of southern Wales could reach -4C from Friday overnight into the weekend.”
Dixon said it would be a “cold period” but not “historically noteworthy”.
Daytime temperatures would be slightly below the 7C average maximum for February, he said.
“February has started warmer than average, so it’s going to be a return to more typical February averages, albeit a bit colder.”
He added: “From Friday, there’s a chance of some snow drifting in to parts of the south of England and south Wales. However, this is relatively short-lived; it’s not expected to be impactful at the moment.”
There could be a couple of centimetres of snow on higher ground in south Wales, he said.
There was also a chance of icy patches developing over the coming days, which could be a hazard, especially overnight, the forecaster added.
Saturday is likely to be a grey day for many, drier in the north but rainy for many in the south of England, while lighter showers will continue on Sunday.
The Met Office was also monitoring the possibility of wintry showers on Monday, Dixon said.
Emma Rubach, the head of health advice at the charity Asthma and Lung UK, said: “Cold weather can be dangerous if you have a lung condition as it can bring on symptoms like coughing, wheezing and leave you struggling to breathe. This is because cold air can cause the airways to narrow, which can increase the amount of mucus produced and make breathing harder.
“Cold, dry air can also irritate the airways and worsen symptoms of asthma and other lung conditions and weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight respiratory infections like colds and flu, which are still doing the rounds.
“We would urge anyone with a lung condition to be careful and make sure they are protected against the cold.
“The most important thing to do is ensure you are using your preventer inhaler regularly as prescribed if you use one, as this builds up protection in the airways over time; and always have your inhaler reliever with you, in case you do feel symptoms coming on.”
