Cambridgeshire braced for severe cold weather

Cambridgeshire is due to experience severe cold weather between the early hours of Friday, January 18 until early morning on Monday, January 21.

Temperatures are set to drop all around the county triggering a level 2 Cold Weather Alert, according to the Met Office.

Some wintry showers are also expected on Thursday, giving some icy patches overnight.

Health experts are urging people to look out for others, to keep warm indoors and to take care when out and about.

Val Thomas, consultant in public health at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “It’s so important to remember that cold does kill, even in places where the temperatures aren’t at their lowest.

“Most of our advice on keeping warm in cold weather may seem like common sense, it’s important that we make the point that people should think about how cold can affect them.

“If indoors, keep your heating to the right temperature as heating your home to at least 18°C in winter poses minimal risk to your health when you are wearing suitable clothing.

“Try to avoid going out in cold icy weather but, if you do need to go outside, wear shoes with slip-resistant grip, good grip soles and wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer.

“We are also asking everyone to remember the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk during this period of cold weather. If you, or they, are eligible for a flu vaccination make sure you get it as soon as you can.”

Visit nhs.uk/staywell for more information.