An incoming band of cold weather, with the potential for snow, has prompted warnings from Public Health England (PHE) to look out for those most at-risk.


Over the past few weeks temperatures across the country have been low. Now Met Office forecasters say that this week some parts could see snow and everywhere will continue to see cold temperatures.


These warnings have prompted PHE scientists to warn people to prepare for the bad weather now and to keep a careful eye on forecasts. Every winter thousands of people die from illnesses linked to exposure to the cold when indoor and outside.


Dr Emer O’Connell, Public Health Consultant with PHE said:
With continued cold weather forecast, now is the time to prepare and look out for those most at risk of falling ill.


If you can, check on family, friends and neighbours who are older, have heart and lung conditions or young children as all these groups are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cold.

Steve Ramsdale, Chief Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:


Snow and wintry showers are expected to affect many parts of the country on Tuesday 29 January. The main accumulations are likely to be over high ground in Wales and the north and west of England where 2 to 5 cm is likely in places.


Elsewhere, whilst some snow may fall there is less likely to be any significant accumulations though parts of East Anglia and the high ground of Surrey, Sussex and Kent may see 1 to 3 cm. It will remain cold and unsettled for the rest of this week, temperatures could fall quite widely to minus 3 or minus 4 degrees overnight, with a mix of rain snow and ice, particularly on Thursday (31 January).

Further information is included in PHE’s tips to help you to prepare for cold weather.