Yellow cold health alerts have been issued for large parts of the UK as temperatures drop below -6C in some areas. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an alert for the North West of England, North East of England and Yorkshire, in force from 9pm on Sunday until Thursday. It is the second cold health alert this autumn, following a warning for the North West and West Midlands that came into force on Thursday.

The UKHSA said the low temperatures could lead to increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, and a greater risk to health for those aged over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions. Paul Coleman, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, urged people to check on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable, and to heat the rooms they spend most time in and dress warmly. The Met Office said Britons had already endured two freezing nights, with many parts of the UK experiencing the coldest night of the autumn so far.S1S2

Temperatures are expected to fall again overnight into Sunday and could drop below 0C in some areas, following a widespread frost on Friday. Southern England could reach the low teens on Saturday under dry, sunny conditions, while showers are forecast in the far northwest of England and heavier bursts in northern Scotland. On Sunday, low pressure will bring rain or showers to many areas, with rain, sleet and some hill snow possible. Deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said snow is increasingly likely across northern Scotland, mainly over high ground, and ice may become a hazard.S1

The Met Office expects a changeable and often unsettled period for the rest of November, with further areas of low pressure moving in from the Atlantic. Next month, low pressure is expected to become slow-moving to the west and then south of the UK, while pressure builds to the north of the country.S1