UK temperatures plunge as Met Office predicts cold weather continuing into February
If you think -10C sounds cold then you’re going to need to brace yourself for what next week’s weather has in store.
Temperatures last night were the chilliest of the winter so far, plunging to a low of -10.7C (12.7F) in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.
This beats this winter’s previous coldest temperature of -10.5C (13.1F), recorded by the Met Office on January 3 in Braemar.
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Frost, ice and snow are predicted for parts of the UK at the weekend, with temperatures remaining icy into February, according to the Met Office.
Heavy rain is forecast in the South West in the coming days and snow is expected on higher grounds.
Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said; “On Monday and early Tuesday, a band of heavier rain, hill snow and strong winds will move quickly south across the UK, followed by wintry showers for the middle of the week. Some of the showers will be heavy bringing a mixture of rain, hail, sleet and snow, most frequently across parts of the north and west.”
The longer range outlook predicts cold to very cold temperatures into next month, bringing overnight frosts and snow.
Public Health England (PHE) has issued several cold weather alerts and warned of the dangers of the weather to vulnerable groups.
Dr Emer O’Connell of PHE said: “Experience shows us that every winter thousands of people are seriously affected and even die from illnesses linked to the cold.
“Protecting yourself from the cold may seem like common sense but many people do not manage to keep themselves warm.
“If you know someone at risk, someone over 65, anyone with dementia or a heart and lung condition, or a young child, check up on them and see if there’s anything you can do to help.
“All of us should be heating our homes to at least 18C, keeping up to date with weather forecasts and planning our days around them – simple steps can really help protect against the cold.”
