NHS tells Brits not to go outdoors during certain hours as snow hits UK

The UK is in the midst of a cold snap with temperatures set to drop even lower this weekend.

The NHS has warned people not to leave their homes during the evening or at night as freezing temperatures are expected to hit several parts of the country across Saturday and Sunday.

Heavy snowfall is expected across this weekend with the National Health Service urging people to remain indoors as a way of avoiding the dangers of the extreme weather conditions.

The Met Office issued yellow and amber weather warnings for much of the country over the coming days, suggesting snowy conditions may offer a threat to life.

The icy weather has prompted Age UK, the country’s leading charity for older people, to criticise the government for its decision earlier this year to limit winter fuel payments to only the poorest pensioners.

'The knock on effects for those older people is that they will be worried and anxious about turning on their heating'

Paul Farmer from Age UK told #BBCBreakfast the decision to axe winter fuel payments will hit the elderly during the cold snap impacting many parts of the UK… pic.twitter.com/oC44b5LW6L

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) January 3, 2025

Temperatures fell as low as -7.4C on Thursday and dropped below zero again last night. Ice and snow are expected to bring disruption to the roads from now until Monday, with rail users told to expect delays.

The NHS Black Country has warned the public to be careful of slips and trips over this weekend and has since advised avoiding the outdoors at certain times of day.

They said: “Avoid going out early in the morning when frost is thick or late at night when it’s dark.”

With weather warnings in place & cold weather forecast over the next few days, we’ve issued some important health advice on how to stay well as temperatures continue to drop❄️

You can read more here: https://t.co/KugT80u26z pic.twitter.com/ryVK67MxeZ

— NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) (@NHSinBlkCountry) January 3, 2025

Scotland is expected to face the coldest conditions with -10C expected in parts of the country, with snow expected to begin today.

Up to 20cm of snowfall is forecast for higher grounds of the Pennines and parts of Wales, while an Atlantic frontal system takes hold.

The Met Office describes the snow as “heavy” during this period, with the yellow warning in place between midday on Saturday and 9am on Monday.

The forecaster said: “Outbreaks of rain spreading northeastwards later on Saturday and overnight into Sunday will likely be preceded by a spell of snow on its northern flank.

“Whilst there is a fair bit of uncertainty as to how far north this may spread, and how long any snow will last, significant accumulations of snow are possible, especially on hills.”

After a mild Christmas winter is back.

Much colder for the next few days with overnight frost/ice.

Snow flurries for a few, but there may be a more widespread spell of snow this weekend.

It’s complicated, but I’ll remain an @BBCBreakfast faithful & take you through the details pic.twitter.com/NSwpH8vk1y

— Matt Taylor (@MetMattTaylor) January 1, 2025

As per the Government website an amber alert “indicates that weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, and at this level we may begin to see some health impacts across the wider population, not just the most vulnerable.”

Extreme weather conditions have already been responsible for disruptions to plans and public events in recent days.

On New Year’s Eve, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, including street parties and fireworks, were cancelled due to safety concerns.