An extremely rare amber warning for cold weather has been issued by the Met Office.
Covering different parts of the UK, the warning means that severe conditions are expected across England between Wednesday at 6pm and Monday, December 12, at 9am. The alert signals an increased risk to health for specific groups which may increase pressure on healthcare services while it's in effect.
The Met Office highlighted that air from the Arctic is expected to spread across the country from Wednesday evening, bringing with it abnormally cold nights and frost for this time of year. It also stated that "wintry showers" are expected in coastal areas.
Read more: Greater Manchester weather forecast as temperatures set to plunge amid Met Office UK snow warning
"Many inland areas could well stay fine and dry throughout although there will be some sharp overnight frosts along with the odd patch of freezing fog which could be slow to clear," the Met Office said. "Some bands of rain may push into the south after the weekend, possibly wintry, especially over higher ground.
"Temperatures remaining cold throughout with a chance of a short spell of very cold weather."
What does the amber cold weather alert mean?
The Met Office has four different levels in response to cold weather in the UK which includes the following:
- Level one (green)
- Level two (yellow)
- Level three (amber)
- Level four (red)
The level three (amber) warning will be in place from 6pm on Wednesday. This means that there is an increased health risk to vulnerable people including the immunocompromised and elderly.
General advice under an amber alert for cold weather alert includes keeping your home suitably warm (at least 18C) as well as avoiding exposure to cold or icy outdoor conditions. "Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk," said Dr Agostinho Sousa from the UKHSA.
"Try to heat the rooms you use most, such as the living and bedroom to at least 18C if you can, and keep your bedroom windows closed at night."
The Met Office also states that a level 3 warning "requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups".
Where is the amber alert in place?
The amber alert has been implemented for most parts of England, including Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Birmingham, London, Liverpool, Bristol, and Leeds.
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