Cold health alert lasting five days issued for UK as Met Office warns of 'wintry showers'

Cold health alerts lasting five days have been issued across the UK as temperatures are expected to plummet. A total of five regions have been made subject to the weather alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office.

It means that chilly conditions could affect people's health and social care services. The yellow cold health alert will come into effect from 9pm on Sunday, November 17 and last until 9am on Thursday, November 21.

It impacts the North East, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands. No alerts have been issued for the east of England, London, the south east or the south west.

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The UKHSA and Met Office said: "Forecast weather is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people; greater risk to life of vulnerable people." They added: "While exposure to cold weather can affect anyone, some people are particularly at risk. We have published guidance on staying safe during cold weather."

It comes after the Met Office warned of 'frequent wintry showers' and says 'it will be cold everywhere'. It said snow is predicted to fall in some parts of Britain next week.

Temperatures are anticipated to drop, making it 'cold everywhere'. Overnight frost and strong winds are also anticipated, which will bring a 'significant wind chill.'

In its long-range forecast for Monday, November 18, to Wednesday, November 27, the Met Office said: "Frequent wintry showers are expected, mainly in the north and along eastern and western coasts where exposed to the strong north to northwesterly flow. Snow is likely to fall to low levels, especially in the north.

"Many inland areas may be largely dry with lengthy sunny spells, especially where sheltered from the flow. However, there is a risk of some more organised areas of rain and hill snow running east across more southern parts.

"The chance of any widespread or disruptive snowfall affecting more populated areas at this stage remains low though. Cold everywhere with overnight frost, and the strong winds will result in significant wind chill.

"There is a hint that it may become less cold later in the period, with more of a westerly flow becoming established."