Cold weather alert issued ahead of ‘icy spell’ likely to last days
Parts of Britain could turn into an ice rink in the coming days as freezing temperatures harden rain-soaked earth.
A dangerous weather alert has been issued for a cold spell expected to start Saturday and last until at least next Friday.
Forecasts indicate temperatures will plummet into the low single digits at the start of the weekend before dipping to freezing in much of northern England from Sunday evening.
Monday morning will see the mercury hit zero in southwestern England too.
Health officials expect a rise in deaths among the elderly and vulnerable people, with many people likely to struggle to keep their homes warm.
‘A brisk easterly wind developing across the south over the weekend will make it feel much colder, with the added wind chill,’ the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
It added: ‘Temperatures are likely to be a few degrees below average, across much of the UK, especially overnight, with more widespread frosts than of late.’
‘Ice is likely to be an issue for many given the very wet ground in most areas. It is probable this cold spell may last well into the following week.’
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