Shropshire weather looks set to be cold over the weekend
Following a mild December Shropshire looks set to shiver this weekend and early next week as a cold weather is set to sweep across the UK.
The change in the weather is being caused by an area of high pressure building across the country, it is set to last until early next week when weather fronts from the Atlantic try to push across the UK.
The forecast has resulted in the Met Office issuing an alert stating the weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.
The late arrival of winter follows a mild December, where temperatures were slightly higher than the seasonal average of 4C.
Last winter was the coldest for 31 years in the UK with an average December to February temperature of 1.51C.
Those thinking spring was in the air with early flowering crocuses and snow drops are being told not to pack the winter woollies away yet, the Met Office is predicting a ‘risk of colder conditions’ at the beginning of February.
Motorists urged not to leave unattended cars running
West Mercia Police is reminding people not to leave their cars unattended with engines running during the cold spell.
Every winter, the force receives a number of reports from drivers who have had their cars stolen after leaving their keys in the engine, whilst they wait in the warmth of their home for the car to heat up and defrost the windscreen.
Chf Insp Baker said drivers who ignore the warning are taking big risks. "Thieves will drive around residential areas looking for likely targets - when they spot a vehicle with its engine left running on a drive or outside a home, it's there for the taking.
"One person will be dropped off, gets into the target vehicle and simply drives away.
"Many of the vehicles are never recovered, and some - especially high value models such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi - may be shipped overseas.
"It is also worth remembering if your car is stolen when keys have been left in it, you may find your insurance will not cover you.
"Thieves see frosty mornings as an opportunity - don't give them the satisfaction by taking unnecessary risks."
Latest Forecast
See the latest five-day shropshirelive.com Shropshire weather forecast.
Photo: A cold and icy Shrewsbury bandstand and St Chad's Church taken by Wayne J Massey.
