Woollies on, folks – winter’s blasting in

WINTRY weather will take the country in its grip in the coming days, forecasters have warned.

They were expecting up to two inches of snow to fall on higher ground last night, with one inch at lower levels across the North West, the Midlands, Wales and parts of Scotland.

Warnings have been issued over icy roads, while health chiefs have urged older people, young children and those with heart and lung conditions to take precautions in the cold weather.

Government figures released earlier this week showed there were more than 34,000 ‘excess deaths’ across England and Wales over the last winter period, the second highest level in eight years.

Strong winds are also expected throughout Britain over the weekend, with gales

forecast in Scotland. And the wintry conditions won’t be letting up, with chilly days, frosty nights and sleet and snow showers expected to carry on into next week.

Met Office forecaster Grahame Madge said that overnight temperatures in England and Wales could fall to -2C (28F) or -3C (27F), dropping to as low as -5C (23F) in Scotland, although it will be warmer tomorrow night as a westerly weather front brings in rain across Britain. ‘The cold weather is happening because we are in a northerly air flow, trapped between high pressure to the west and low pressure over Shetland,’ he said. ‘Cold days, with wintry showers in the north and west, and frosty nights will continue through the weekend into next week.’

Last night Public Health England called on people to check on family and neighbours who may be at risk during the cold snap.