The Amber health warning for all of England has been extended until Tuesday as temperatures are expected to continue to fall over the weekend.
UK Health and Safety Executive extended the warningThis means that the impact of the cold weather is likely to be felt across health services.
“This weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions, so we ask that the well-being of our healthiest friends, family and neighbors be taken seriously. It is extremely important that we continue to make sure that we are “vulnerable,'' the agency said.
“These people may be at increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
Britain recorded its coldest night so far this winter on Thursday, with further freezing temperatures expected over the next few days. According to the Met Office, overnight temperatures in Altnaharra, northern Scotland, dropped to -14 degrees Celsius.
Separately, the Met Office has issued yellow ice warnings for much of the south-west, Wales, Northern Ireland and northern Scotland, as well as the east coast of England from Northumberland to Essex. The warning expires late Friday morning.
“It's going to be another few cold days, but we should see a recovery early next week,” Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick said. Temperatures will fall below freezing across parts of the UK, with significant frost and ice formation possible overnight tonight. ”
Devon and Cornwall will be cloudy with a chance of rain on Friday as the front moves south-west. Snow is possible on Dartmoor and Exmoor. Snow is also possible in northern Scotland and possibly northeast England on Friday.
“This rain is falling on pretty cold ground, so there's a good chance we'll see icy conditions as well. So we're asking people, if you're traveling in these cold temperatures tomorrow, We're telling people to be careful, but at least the temperatures are pretty calm and once we get away from the freezing fog, it's going to be a nice, bright, sunny day.”
Friday night is expected to be the coldest day of the cold wave in parts of Scotland and northern England, with temperatures potentially between -15C and -20C. The weather gradually warms up as Monday approaches.
“Unfortunately, Saturday will still be a cold day,” Eslick added.
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So far, snow and wind have caused traffic problems and forced the closure of rail lines. Hundreds of schools in Scotland and around 90 schools in Wales were closed on Thursday. The RAC said the three-day period saw the highest level of rescue demand since December 2022.
Temperatures in communities in northern Scotland fell to -17.3C on Friday night, the Met Office said.
By 9pm, the lowest temperature had been reached in Altnaharra, Sutherland, the northernmost Highland region.
On Thursday night temperatures in the hamlet dropped to -14.5C, making it Britain's coldest night so far this winter.
Meanwhile, ice skaters made the most of the conditions on the Cambridgeshire Lakes, taking to the frozen and flooded fields near the River Cam.
Paul Jansen, 58, was among those who gathered wearing skates. “It's just beautiful, especially with a little bit of sunshine and nature all around you,” he said.
