Warning to take care in cold weather

Warnings have been issued in Exeter after the UK was gripped by a cold plunge of Arctic air.

Met Office forecasters said there would be a very frosty start in Devon today (Tuesday January 16)  then generally dry with sunny spells and occasional cloudier periods. Still cold but not as bitter as on Monday due to lighter winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.

The outlook for Wednesday to Friday sees a small chance of some light snow on southern coasts on Wednesday, otherwise a dry and increasingly bright day. Largely fine thereafter with isolated wintry showers. Cold with overnight frosts.

The northerly airflow is bringing very cold conditions for all, with snow showers for some areas at times. A number of National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued for potentially disruptive snow and ice over the coming days.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, said: “Where and how much snow we will get will vary throughout the week and weather warnings could change quickly, you will need to keep an eye on the forecast for your region for the latest information.

“There will be widespread frost this week and we could see some fairly deep laying snow in parts of northern UK and strong winds could result in drifting or blizzard conditions at times. The snow and ice will be disruptive and could potentially impact travel plans, make driving dangerous and pavements slippery.

“It will feel bitterly cold with daytime temperatures in the low single figures for many, and overnight temperatures will fall to -3 or -4 in many towns and cities, and it will be even colder in many rural areas.”

The UK Health Security Agency has a Cold-Health Alert in force for England, which highlights the possibility of significant impacts for the health and the social care sector.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “The temperatures we will see can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather this week.”

Devon County Council issued the following advice:

* Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from formin

* Allow additional time for your journey 

* Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front

* Drive with care and according to the conditions

* If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell

* Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over

* The NHS website has more information on staying healthy during cold weather* Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions and ensure you are stocked with food and medications