UK weather: Arctic air drops temperatures below zero as UKHSA issues cold health alerts

Northerly winds are sweeping across the UK, bringing cold air from the Arctic and some of the most widespread low temperatures of the autumn so far.

Thursday afternoon’s highs will remain in single digits for most whilst overnight lows will widely fall below freezing, potentially dropping to -7C.

Strong winds will bring a significant wind chill, especially on northern and eastern coasts, so it will feel colder than the reading on the thermometer would suggest.

Yellow cold health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have come into force.

Whilst the cold weather will come with sunshine in most areas, showers will also feature in northern parts of the UK, some of which could be wintry over high ground.