Temperatures to dip to -5C as first cold health alerts of season issued

The first cold health alerts of the season have been issued for parts of England as a blast of Arctic air is set to sweep into the UK. From midweek onward, overnight temperatures in many towns and cities will fall below zero, bringing the most widespread frost of the season so far. Yellow cold health alerts, issued by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cover the West Midlands and the north west of England.

, external The UKHSA warns the upcoming cold snap "is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services" and pose "greater risk to life of vulnerable people". After the thick fog of recent days , visibility will be better on Wednesday, with crisp sunshine forecast for many parts of the UK. Low pressure and a weather front will graze southern parts of Britain, bringing outbreaks of rain and slightly milder air with highs reaching 10 to 14C.

By Wednesday night, a strong to gale force northerly wind will develop over northern and eastern parts of Scotland making it feel especially bitter with gusts exceeding 50mph.