Arctic air brings UK widespread frost and cold-health alerts

Northerly winds carrying Arctic air have brought the UK its coldest and most widespread temperatures of the autumn so far, with overnight lows forecast to reach -7C and yellow cold-health alerts in force in parts of England.

The UK Health Security Agency’s alerts cover the West Midlands and north-west England and run until noon on Saturday. They warn of minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare by vulnerable people, who face greater risks from the cold.

Thursday’s daytime highs are forecast to range from 6C to 10C, but strong winds will make it feel colder, particularly on northern and eastern coasts. Gusts in north-east Scotland could reach 50-60mph. Showers in northern Scotland may bring rain, sleet and hail, with some snow over high ground.

Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing across many areas overnight, with widespread frost on Friday morning and a risk of icy stretches, especially in northern Scotland. Another frost is forecast for Friday night.

The weekend is expected to remain chilly, though temperatures should rise gradually as winds turn southerly. Rain chances are forecast to increase, with more unsettled weather expected next week.

The first cold-health alerts of the season were issued for the same regions a day earlier, with temperatures then forecast to fall to around -5C in rural areas.