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UK Weather: Sub-zero temperatures set to bring snow showers across the country

The cold temperatures will be even made less inviting by harsh winds

Kashmira Gander
Tuesday 27 January 2015 16:06 GMT
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Snow accumulates atop a red telephone box near the village of Marsden, northern England
Snow accumulates atop a red telephone box near the village of Marsden, northern England

Forecasters are warning the UK to brace itself, as sub-zero temperatures are set to usher in frost and inches-thick snow in some parts.

A cold front is set to cross the UK during Wednesday, causing the mercury to plummet from around 10C to 4C to 5C. The temperature will then drop below zero overnight into Thursday, and down to minus 5C in high ground in northern areas.

Health officials stressed that people should take extra care, as the Met Office issued a yellow “be aware” warning from the North West to East Anglia and urged the public to be aware of possible travel disruptions.

Wintry showers are expected to hit northern and eastern England and the Midlands, as well as parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland over the next couple of days.

The cold will be exacerbated by very strong winds, with snow showers likely in most areas, and the biggest build-up in hilly areas of the north west, according to the Met Office.

Forecasters expect over 10cm of snow to fall in high ground in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and 5 to 10cm at lower levels, while 3 to 6cm of snow will accumulate on high ground in the north of England.

While the cold weather is set to remain into early next week Billy Payne of forecaster MeteoGroup said it is unlikely the UK could see any impact of the heavy blizzards hitting much of the north-eastern coast of the US.

Meanwhile, Dr Angie Bone, head of extreme events team at Public Health England, urged people to help their vulnerable neighbours and loved ones.

"In this sort of weather we know that older people and people in poor health tend to stay indoors.

"While this is sensible, it's worth remembering these people may need help getting to a hospital or GP appointment, with shopping or prescription fetching, or just someone to talk to. If you know someone in this situation, and most of us do, think about what you can you do to help out.

She added that vulnerable people are not the only ones at risk. "Contrary to popular belief, it's actually working age adults who have most slips and trips outside in cold and icy weather, not older people, which is why it's important to wear shoes with a good, slip-resistant grip to prevent any accidental falls."

Additional reporting by PA

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