Temperatures in the UK are expected to dip to around -10 degrees Celsius

Many people, particularly those in Scotland, are at danger from the ice, the Met Office says.

Parts of the United Kingdom are blanketed in snow as forecasts warn of a harsh winter brought on by Arctic winds.

This morning's readings from the Met Office show that temperatures throughout most of England are still very low and below-freezing temperatures will soon settle all across the nation. A yellow weather warning was issued for today and tomorrow, indicating that up to 2 inches of snow may fall at lower altitudes, with 4 inches at higher levels.

With daytime highs in the UK struggling to break the freezing mark, heavy snowfall and blizzards are anticipated in the north. Temperatures are predicted to stay far below normal until next week, however, how long the polar vortex will last beyond that is anyone's guess.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned that too many people risk sleeping on the streets without adequate shelter. So the capital has taken emergency steps to protect the homeless from the cold. London's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is being launched for the first time this season, meaning that homeless individuals will have access to emergency shelters in the event of sub-freezing conditions. Moreover, no one will be forced to leave the shelter because of rising temperatures until a plan of action is in place to help them stop sleeping outside. More than 3,600 people are currently sleeping on the streets of London, which accounts for a 24 percent increase from the previous year.

At the same time, authorities expressed concern that the icy conditions may have health consequences for vulnerable patients and hamper service delivery.

Dr. Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, commented:

“Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk,” said Dr Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA.

“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.

“In rooms, you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18C if you can. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.”

Travelers should also know that the route across the Scottish highlands was blocked due to snow, as snow gates were closed in the Scottish Alps, cutting down traffic on the A93 between Aberdeen and Braemar at the Spittal of Glenshee.

These warnings will continue in effect as more advice will be issued for ice conditions throughout parts of Northern Ireland, including Wales.

The national forecaster for Scotland has issued a travel advisory due to the possibility of snow and ice showers, saying that there may be delays in the operation of public transportation in some areas
and some roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes that haven't been treated for ice may become slick.

The Road & Transportation Safety Council (RAC) has urged drivers and motorists to make sure their vehicles are "winter ready" ahead of the coming snow and freezing weather, while urging them to stock up on emergency supplies.

 

Source: theindependent.co.uk