PEOPLE are being warned to stay warm and safe as temperatures are forecast to drop today. The Met Office issued a severe weather alert yesterday.

Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office Frank Saunders said: “Average temperatures are expected to continue falling with through the weekend, with a northerly airstream likely to be established by Sunday frost and ice are expected to become increasingly widespread through the period, with some severe overnight frosts likely in the north over any snow cover by Monday.”

The warnings have led to Public Health England issuing advice. Director of Public Health England Centre, in Yorkshire and the Humber Dr Stephen Morton said: the advice might seem like common sense, but it was important for people to take care in the cold.

“Our advice is that when indoors, have plenty of warm food and drinks to stay warm and try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over,” he said.

“If you are able to move around, keep active as best you can. If you need to go out wear lots of thin layers and wear shoes with a good, slip-resistant grip to prevent any accidental falls.”