Cold weather can have a serious impact on health – especially for older people, experts have warned (Picture: Jordan Crosby)
A cold weather warning has been issued for the whole of England, as icy conditions and snow hit this week.
People have been encouraged to stay warm and to look out for those most at risk by the UK Health Security Agency.
Pensioners and those with pre-existing medical conditions have been advised to heat their homes to at least 18°C.
But government experts have acknowledged this isn’t possible for some over-65s after energy bills shot up.
The nation will suffer through cold weather from 9am on Monday 16 January to 9am on Friday 20 January, the Met Office has cautioned.
Temperatures are ‘well below average for the time of year’ and transport chaos could be sparked by ice.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: ‘Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
‘During this period, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather.
‘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 18°C if you can.’
Jason Kelly, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, added: ‘Cold, icy and sometimes snowy conditions are in the forecast this week with the UK seeing more of a north-westerly regime, with temperatures well below average for the time of year.
‘Wintry showers are likely at points through the week in the north of England.
‘Warnings have been issued and ice is likely to be a hazard for much of the week with some tricky travel conditions possible.
‘Maximum temperatures will largely only reach the low single figures with temperatures below freezing through most nights this week.’
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People have been told to look out for those most at risk from cold weather.
