The Government has issued a cold weather alert for our area with a risk of freezing conditions and prolonged periods of fog across the region over the coming days.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.
The Met Office is warning that London and the South East will experience cold weather from 6pm tonight (13 January) to 9am on Monday 17 January.
Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said: “As we continue to experience very low temperatures this winter it’s important to remember to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, such as elderly or frail friends and family, especially if they live alone or with a serious illness.
“Remind those most vulnerable to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit, particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition. Should they need to go outside, it’s important for them to wear shoes with a good grip.”
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman said: “Temperatures in central and southern England are expected to trend downwards from Thursday, with overnight minimum temperatures possibly getting to -4 °C in some rural areas, but widespread below-freezing conditions elsewhere overnight in the following days. This will result in some harsh frosts and possible freezing fog in some places.
“Temperatures will stay subdued through the next few days from Thursday in the alerted areas, with highs likely to remain in the mid-to-low single figures through the weekend, especially in places where any fog or low cloud lingers throughout the day.”
For those who are unable to heat all the rooms in use, the UKHAS advise that it is best to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Also, wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer and having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.
