Cold Weather Alert

Regular updates on cold weather and how to stay well during low temperatures.

With a risk of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow across parts of the country, Public Health England (PHE) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at-risk.

The Met Office has announced that there is a high chance that the North East of England, North West of England and Yorkshire and the Humber regions will experience cold weather from 9am Friday 4 December to 6pm on Tuesday 8 December.

Dr Owen Landeg, Principal Environmental Public Health Scientist at PHE, said:

"Cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable it can be bad for your health.

"Heating your home to at least 18 Celsius is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease.

"Wearing a few layers of thin clothing is better at trapping heat than one thick layer and will help to keep you warm. If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep. If you are struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that could help you keep warm and well.

"Looking out for others at this time is also really important. Remember to check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses, remembering COVID-19 social distancing, to make sure they are safe, warm and well."

Bonnie Diamond, Met Office Meteorologist, said:

"December has got off to a much colder start than last month, with widespread low temperatures bringing the risk of frost, ice and wintry weather across the country.

"With temperatures generally limited to between 4 to 7 Celsius by day and falling widely below freezing overnight, a cold weather alert has been issued covering much of northern England and will remain in place until at least next Tuesday."