Shropshire to shiver as cold weather is set to continue
This week's cold weather has seen the Met Office issue its first England-wide Level 3 Cold Weather Alert of the winter.
The alert was issued on Tuesday afternoon because of the expected frosty nights and low daytime temperatures which have already been felt by residents in Shropshire.
The warning means there is expected to be an impact on people's health and on health services, with a surge in demand for care.
Temperatures across the country have already dipped as low as -6.2°C in Pershore, Worcestershire, -6.1°C in South Farnborough, Hampshire and -5.7°C in Hurn, Dorset this week. The Level 3 Alert is expected to remain in force until the weekend.
Wednesday’s top temperatures in Shropshire is expected to be around 3C but will feel like -9C with temperatures overnight into Thursday expected to drop to around -5C but again feeling like -9C due to wind chill.
A high pressure system over Scandinavia and western Russia is pushing raw, easterly winds towards the UK, meaning this will be the longest spell of cold weather so far this winter, experts say.
Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK said: "It may have been relatively mild so far this year but the winter can be a dangerous time for older people. Many people believe that the only risk of winter weather is getting a cold, but the risk is much greater. Low temperatures raise blood pressure which puts people at a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as increasing the likelihood and severity of flu and other respiratory problems.
"We want older people to be able to enjoy the winter and, most importantly of all, stay well. That is why we have linked up with the Met Office to get advance information to ensure that forewarned is forearmed when it comes to winter weather."
A Department of Health spokesman said: "During this period of cold weather we would advise people to check local weather forecasts for the latest information on weather conditions and staying safe when outdoors. We are working closely with the NHS and local authorities to ensure vulnerable people stay well during cold weather and get the help they need within their communities."
The cold weather is expected to remain for the rest of the week with temperatures likely to fall to -10C in some rural areas by Friday morning.
