Various parts of the UK are set to be hit by snow and plummeting temperatures in the coming days
Brits are being urged to avoid one key activity for more than hour as temperatures plummet across the country. It comes as many parts of the UK have been subjected to severe weather warnings.
The Met Office predicts that England and Wales could see snow reaching 5cm while Scotland could be hit by as much as 40cm of snow. In parts of England and Wales, the Met Office has issued a Yellow warning for snow and ice, while parts of Scotland have an Amber warning for snow and a Yellow warning for snow and ice.
Meanwhile, more severe cold conditions are expected across the east coast of England, which is expected to be hit by snowy conditions on Saturday and Monday. While the cold, snowy weather has led to some delays and cancellations to public services and transport, it can also pose a serious risk to health.
Guidance from the UK Health Security Agency states: “Some people are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell because of exposure to cold.” This can include older people, pregnant women, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
Keep moving to stay warm at home
While it is generally advised to keep your home warm to at least 18C to avoid any negative health impacts, there are other things you can do to stay warm. For example, the UKHSA warns people to avoid sitting still for more than an hour or so.
Moving around can help warm up your body, with the UKHSA even advising people who have difficulty moving about to stretch their arms and legs regularly to help stay warm. Similarly, the Met Office advises to stay active both inside and outside to help keep warm.
Guidance from the Met Office states: “It is important to keep warm in winter both inside and outdoors. Keeping warm can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems.”
It adds: “Try to keep moving when you are indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Break up your time spent being inactive by walking around your home or standing up from your chair when you are on the phone.”
It also advises that if you need to go outside, to wear several layers of light clothing, which can help keep you warmer compared to just one thick layer.
Further guidance to avoid negative health during cold weather from the UKHSA can be found here.