UK households issued ‘thin clothing rule’ as yellow warnings in force

UK households are being urged to follow a ‘thin clothing’ rule as cold health warnings are in force.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow for several areas across England, including the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the South East from 9am on Friday until 9am on Tuesday.

The alerts come as a moves across the UK bringing bitter easterly winds, and a risk of snow and ice in some areas.

Temperatures plummeted to -7.4C in Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands on Friday night, while the lowest recorded temperature in England was -1.6C at Culdrose in Cornwall.

has warned that the chilly climes will continue over the weekend, with wintry showers likely including some sleet over higher ground.

UK households are being warned to brace for another bitterly cold snap this week as temperatures are forecast to drop as low as -7C.

Day-time temperatures are forecast to be “slightly below” the average maximum of 7C for February, with the colder climes increasing the chances of snow.

Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: “While some areas will see showers or some patchy rain on Friday and through the weekend, there will be the potential for some sleet or snow as temperatures drop, mostly over higher ground in central and southern areas. The cold will be accentuated at times by brisk easterly winds.

“There will be variable, and at times large amounts of cloud over the coming days with the clearest and sunniest weather across the northwest of the UK. There will also be icy patches and overnight frost in places.

As the cold front continues, the UKHSA has issued advice on how to stay safe in the freezing weather and recommends people follow a ‘thin clothing rule’ when heading outdoors.

The advice states that if you are going outside for a walk you should wear several layers of light clothes, rather than one thick layer, as these layers trap warm air helping to protect against the cold.

The UKHSA says: “Simple changes can help to keep you and your home warm. These include:

• try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18°C

• try to reduce draughts; you can fit draft excluders around doors cheaply

• keep your bedroom windows closed at night

• wear several layers of thinner clothing; this could keep you warmer than one thicker layer

It is also recommended that you eat regularly throughout the day as this helps your body to stay warm, and that you keep moving – even if you are stuck inside.

The UKHSA adds: “When you are indoors, there are things you can do that will help to keep you warm and reduce the risk of developing medical problems, for example try not to sit still for more than an hour or so, and if you find it difficult to move about, stretching your arms and legs can also help keep you warm.”