First cold-heath alert of the winter issued as warning issued for vulnerable Britons

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first cold-health alert of the winter, covering England’s North West and West Midlands. The yellow alert warns that falling temperatures could affect vulnerable people and runs from 9am on Thursday until midday on Saturday.

Temperatures could reach -2C in parts of the country, with daytime highs of 6C in some areas. Forecasters say snow may affect northern Scotland and the Northern Isles, though the Met Office says any snow on lower ground could be brief and that temperatures are expected to move closer to average later in the weekend. The UKHSA advises checking on people at risk and keeping homes warm where possible.