Cold weather warning! Make sure you are prepared for the week ahead!

The Met Office issued level three cold weather alert - its most serious alert so far. With overnight temperatures dropping to -9C. Chilly conditions are set to continue into the weekend with some snow forecast.
It is mainly the elderly that are likely to be affected by the cold. It not only increases their health risk but also disrupts the delivery of some services. As low temperature raises blood pressure, it also puts people at a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as increases the likelihood of flu. Organisations that support older people during winter, such as Age UK, have been alerted as part of government's cold weather planning. The organisation wants people to check on their neighbours and relatives to ensure they stay warm as temperatures fall.

The temperature tonight may reach -10C, and Friday is expected to stay cold, with a maximum temperature of only about 1C. The warmer front should arrive on Saturday, with temperatures reaching  4C, and as it meets the cold weather we may see some snow mixed with rain. However, some forecasters say it is becoming increasingly likely that the freezing temperatures can last through the whole of February. There are fears that the sudden change in weather conditions could bring travel chaos and catch many drivers off guard. Police in Devon and Cornwall have already warned motorists not to travel unless it is essential.

Despite harsh weather conditions in the UK, they remain mild in comparison with the rest of Europe. Freezing weather and snow in Italy as well as Greece caused some serious transport disruptions whereas Poland and Ukraine even experienced cold-related deaths.