A six-day “amber” cold health alert was imposed for most of England today amid concerns for elderly and vulnerable people.
Temperatures are forecast to drop as low as -8C in the North East this week as a blast of arctic air heading towards the UK brings with it severe frosts, ice and snow showers.
Up to 20cm of snow may accumulate in the worst affected areas as the country experiences its “first taste of winter”.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the alert, issued for the first time this year, would be in place until Saturday 23 November.
Officials warned that cold temperatures would likely put pressure on the NHS and could increase risks for patients, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Experts say cold weather can also put people at higher risk of hypothermia, strokes and even heart attacks.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber cold weather health alert of the season, but we can expect more as we head into winter.”
‘It is essential to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbors to ensure they are well prepared for the arrival of the cold.
Pictured is a lorry on a snowy A835 near Loch Dorma in the Scottish Highlands this morning.
“Especially if they are elderly or at some other risk.”
The Amber Alert currently covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
A new alert will come into force at 8am tomorrow for the South East, South West and London.
The UKHSA pointed Brits to its cold weather plan, which recommends regular contact with vulnerable people.
He also urged people to monitor weather forecasts and ensure they are well supplied with food and medicine.
Freezing air can be dangerous for people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
This is because when cold air is inhaled, the airways narrow and the lungs contract.
This can cause breathing difficulties, wheezing and coughing, as well as asthma attacks.
Pictured are cars driving through the snow on the A97 near Huntly, Aberdeenshire, this morning.
Health chiefs advise people at risk to wrap a scarf around their nose and mouth to limit airway irritation and asthma attacks.
In addition to cold outdoor conditions, cold, wet weather can increase the risk of mold and damp developing inside homes and buildings, which can also irritate the lungs.
Worryingly, studies also show that heart attacks and strokes are up to twice as likely to occur during cold spells lasting four days or longer.
This is because blood vessels narrow in the skin, fingers and toes in response to the cold as the body tries to conserve heat.
This process, called vasoconstriction, increases blood pressure and heart rate as the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
Seasonal viruses, such as the flu and RSV, also tend to increase in the winter.
This is partly because people are spending more time socializing indoors and in poorly ventilated spaces.
This makes it more likely for an infected person to spread the virus to others.
Pictured, snow and ice in Corgaff, Aberdeenshire today, as the UK prepares for more snow to fall.
But also behind the annual increase in insects is cold weather, which suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk of infection and making it harder for the body to fight off an illness, experts say.
This can cause coughs and lung conditions, usually mild, to become more severe than they would be during the warmer months.
Cold weather is also a major risk factor for hypothermia, which occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and the body temperature falls below 35°C.
Too low a body temperature affects the brain, so the affected person may not be able to think clearly or move well.
This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know what is happening and cannot do anything about it.
The NHS is urging anyone who thinks they may be suffering from signs of hypothermia to go to A&E or call 999.
But don’t use “a hot bath, hot water bottle or heat lamp to warm” someone with suspected hypothermia, as this can “make things worse”, the health service warns.
Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said snow had so far fallen mainly on hilltops, with 2cm falling in Lerwick, Shetland.
Shannon Finlayson uses a broom to remove snow from the windscreen of her car in Inchbae, Wester Ross Scotland
But more snow and ice is expected in the coming days, and temperatures will fall below average for the time of year.
“It’s going to be a pretty cold week,” said Mrs Maxey. “A few degrees below average both day and night for most of the country.”
Temperatures are forecast to drop to -2C in London on Friday, -4C in Birmingham and -7C further north.
Forecasters predict between 5 and 10 cm of snow above 200 meters and between 15 and 20 cm above 300 meters. At lower levels, between 2 and 10 cm of snow could accumulate.
According to the Met Office, last night saw the coldest temperature of the season so far, with the mercury recorded at -7.8C at Tulloch Bridge in the West Highland, the lowest temperature seen in the UK since winter past.
In advice issued today by Age UK, director Caroline Abraham urged “everyone to take care not to become victims of the cold”.
He added: “Sub-zero temperatures could also cause the NHS, already under intense pressure, to buckle under the pressure of even greater demand.”
‘It is vital that older people stay fit, warm and well if they can.
‘We all have a role to play in this by looking after the older people around us, especially if they live with serious health problems or lack local support.
“Eating plenty of hot foods and drinks during the day can help keep health risks from the cold at bay, as can taking simple precautions such as bundling up when going out and sleeping with the windows closed at night.”
She said: ‘Now is the time for us all to keep a friendly eye on our elderly relatives, friends and neighbours. Offering to carry some groceries or pick up medications at the pharmacy can be a big help.
“If you are worried about an elderly friend or relative, or if you are an older person who is worried about paying food or energy bills, please contact Age UK because help may be available.”