Map shows areas under cold weather alerts with temperatures plunging to -7°C

Yellow cold weather warnings will come into force this morning with temperatures forecast to plunge as low as -7°C in some parts of the country.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued alerts for several areas including the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the South East from 9am until 9am on Tuesday.

This means the cold snap is likely to lead to an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, and a greater risk to life of vulnerable people.

It comes after the agency warned hospitals are ‘close to full’ with nearly a thousand beds taken up by patients struck down by the winter vomiting bug.

Thousands more by people fit to be discharged who have nowhere to go. A lung charity is warning people with conditions like asthma and COPD to be on their guard.

Stephen Dixon, from the Met Office, said: ‘What we’re seeing with the UK’s weather over the next few days is the influence of high pressure and the development of south easterly air flow which will see temperatures drop for many.

‘Overnight we could see temperatures drop as low as minus 7°C in rural parts of Scotland from Friday into the weekend.

‘Further south we’re still likely to see through the weekend sub-zero temperatures.

‘Rural parts of southern Wales could reach minus 4°C from Friday overnight into the weekend.’

Mr Dixon said it would be a ‘cold period’ but not ‘historically noteworthy’.

Day-time temperatures will be ‘slightly below’ the average maximum for February which is 7°C, he said.

Mr Dixon said: ‘February has started warmer than average, so it’s going to be a return to more typical February averages, albeit a bit colder.’

He added: ‘From Friday, there’s a chance of some snow drifting in to parts of the south of England and south Wales, however this is relatively short-lived, it’s not expected to be impactful at the moment.’

He said higher ground in south Wales could see a couple of centimetres of snow.

And there is a chance of icy patches developing over the coming days, which could be a hazard, especially overnight, the forecaster added.

Saturday is likely to be a grey day for many, drier in the north but rain for many in the south of England, while showers will continue on Sunday but it will be a bit drier, according to Mr Dixon.

There is also a chance of wintry showers on Monday, which is something the Met Office is keeping an eye on, Mr Dixon said.

Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said: ‘Cold weather can be dangerous if you have a lung condition as it can bring on symptoms like coughing, wheezing and leave you struggling to breathe. This is because cold air can cause the airways to narrow, which can increase the amount of mucus produced and make breathing harder.

‘Cold, dry air can also irritate the airways and worsen symptoms of asthma and other lung conditions and weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight respiratory infections like colds and flu which are still doing the rounds.

‘We would urge anyone with a lung condition to be careful and make sure they are protected against the cold.

‘The most important thing to do is ensure you are using your preventer inhaler regularly as prescribed if you use one, as this builds up protection in the airways over time and always have your inhaler reliever with you, in case you do feel symptoms coming on.’

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