As a cold spell strikes the United Kingdom, residents are encouraged to heat their living rooms during the day and their bedrooms before retiring to bed.
The recommendation was offered by health professionals to individuals who cannot heat every room or who are suffering from heating expenditures.
Northern Scotland may have overnight lows of -10C (14F), while snow and ice warnings have been issued for Wales, Northern Ireland, and the east.
At 18:00 GMT, a level three cold weather alert is issued for England.
It was issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and will remain in effect until 9 a.m. on December 12; however, it may be extended if projections anticipate sustained colder temperatures.
The alarm is activated when a severe cold is expected to have a major impact on people’s health, particularly those with preexisting diseases.
Northern Scotland is under a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from Wednesday at midnight until Thursday at noon.
The east coast of England has a yellow ice warning from 18:00 GMT to 12:00 GMT on Thursday, with temperatures dropping as low as -3C. (26.6F).
In addition, a yellow weather warning is in effect for Wales and the majority of Northern Ireland from midnight Wednesday to 18:00 Thursday.
Although sub-zero temperatures are not unheard of in parts of northern Scotland throughout the winter, readings of -6C are expected in rural England on Thursday.
On Wednesday and Thursday, large portions of Scotland are expected to endure a lengthy “Arctic blast” with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice.
In London, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol has been invoked for the first time this winter, allowing homeless individuals access to shelter.
Frequent showers will change to snow overnight and bring the season’s first snowfall to northern Scotland on Wednesday.
In the following days, cold weather will travel southward, bringing with it daytime temperatures approximately 5 degrees Celsius below the normal for the month of December – and in some locations, temperatures will not get above freezing.
“Overnight frosts will be widespread and severe, ranging from -2C to -6C, while temperatures will be significantly lower over snow cover in Scotland. In portions of Northern Ireland, England, and Wales, precipitation will evolve into sleet and snow.
Given that this autumn has been the third warmest on record in the United Kingdom, during which frosts have been extremely unusual, this sudden turn to cold winter weather will be more of a shock to the system.
Increasing cost worries
In addition to heating frequently used rooms to at least 18 degrees Celsius, the UKHSA recommends wearing multiple layers of thinner clothing rather than one large layer.
“Having an abundance of hot foods and beverages is also an efficient way to stay warm,” the agency stated.
The rising cost of electricity has generated concerns that some individuals may choose not to use their heating this week, despite unseasonably chilly conditions.
Under the existing energy price guarantee, a household consuming an average amount of gas and electricity can anticipate annual costs of £2,500.00. In April, this will increase to £3,000 annually for typical use.
Dr. Agostinho Sousa of the UKHSA stated, “Cold weather can have severe health repercussions, especially for the elderly and those with heart or lung issues.
If you have a preexisting medical condition, you should maintain a suitable temperature in your house.
Scope, a charity for handicapped people, said that a study of 1,000 disabled families revealed that 43% had reduced their use of energy and gas, with some stating they had turned off their heaters and were using duvets to stay warm.
The most vulnerable are eligible for additional assistance with energy bills, in addition to a one-time £400 discount for all households.
National Energy Action, a charity that combats fuel poverty, urged the government to “come in with extra aid for those in greatest jeopardy this winter.”
Charities and local governments have also established so-called “warm banks” – heated rooms that members of the public can visit – in response to high energy expenses this winter.
In December, Manchester United provides the Red Cafe at Old Trafford as a free “warm hub” on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Wednesday evening, Blackpool FC will inaugurate a warm space at their Bloomfield Road stadium.
What effects does a cold room have on your body?
Living in such cold conditions places a significant load on the body, which must work harder to warm up.
This can result in a rise in blood pressure and a higher heart rate, which can increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Those with poor heart health and the elderly become much more prone to major health problems as the temperature drops.
Local officials are also requesting that vulnerable family members, acquaintances, and neighbors be evaluated to determine whether they require additional assistance.
Cllr David Renard, the spokesman for transport for the Local Government Association (LGA), stated, “During these cold spells, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases are more susceptible to illness and require additional help.
“Because some people may choose to reduce their heating use as a result of rising energy costs, it is all the more vital to check up on those who may require greater assistance. It could be lifesaving.”
Councils in England and Wales have amassed 1,4 million tonnes of salt for gritting roads this winter, but several have reported difficulty recruiting and retaining gritter operators.
