Brits issued weather alert over 'freezing conditions' for 3 days, here's how to stay safe

The UK will face freezing conditions next week as a result of Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) – the same phenomenon which caused the Beast from the East in 2018 – currently taking place above the arctic. The Met Office has warned of extremely cold spells across England and Scotland with yellow weather warnings in place from Monday.

Both the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have made a nationwide alert about the snow and ice, and are urging people to stay safe and warm indoors as icy conditions will cause significant travel disruption.

Yellow weather warning

The Met Office declared a yellow warning for snow and ice from early Monday morning until late on Tuesday with snow showers initially in northern and eastern areas of the UK. It is expected that 5-10cm of snow could accumulate over northern Scotland and snow is likely even on lower ground with icy conditions on the roads expected.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Almond, said, as per The Met Office:

Very cold air will spread across the UK from late on Sunday through early next week. This brings with it snow even to low levels in the north and east through Monday and Tuesday, and in excess of 10cm could accumulate, most likely on high ground in the north, but also settling for a time at lower levels.

With freezing overnight temperatures and the risk of ice, there’s a risk of some travel disruption and wintry hazards are likely to persist through much of next week.

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How to stay safe in cold weather

Freezing conditions can be very dangerous for vulnerable people, particularly when many are struggling to heat their homes. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UKHSA, has encouraged people to look out for one another, as per The Independent:

During periods like this, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather, as it can have a serious impact on health.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18C if you can.

The UKHSA also has some useful resources and advice on the risks of cold weather and tips for staying warm and well this winter. Some tips include heating the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. They also recommend wearing several layers of thinner clothing, which will keep you warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Financial support is also available with grants, benefits and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient or help with bills. Additionally, there are support measures in place to help with the cost of living. For further advice on these support measures, visit Age UK’s website or call 0800 169 6565 and quote ‘WINTER’.

Sources used:

- The Met Office 'Snow and ice warnings issued'

- The Independent 'Met Office confirms when snow will fall as ‘Beast from the East’ blizzard heads for UK'

- The Mirror 'Snow to hit UK as Met Office issues 3-day cold weather alert for freezing temperatures'

- UKHSA 'Top tips for keeping warm and well this winter'