The Met Office has extended an amber cold weather alert for all of England as a bitter Norwegian chill continues to rage over the nation.
The alert had been due to expire on Friday at midday, but constant monitoring of conditions has meant this date and time will be pushed back.
Brits in northern England and much of Scotland have been caked in snow and icy chaos this week, with brutal strong winds and rain tipped to replace the freeze on Sunday.
Even for those who haven’t seen snow, the mercury dipping to sub-zero levels has caused icy hazards – and prompted people to nudge up their thermostats for the first time this winter.
The amber alert, in place for North East, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West. It will now cease at noon on Saturday, January 20.
The alert warns further snow showers on Thursday and Friday threatens to create more havoc, mostly for northern counties, as the weekend arrives.
The alert, issued in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency, highlights those aged over 65 as being of potential risk of life-threatening illnesses, exacerbated by the cold weather. It also warns social care providers of the need to assess the temperatures inside facilities such as care homes.
