Public Health England (PHE) issues cold weather alerts and health warnings following the arrival of colder weather in some parts of England.

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Another spell of cold weather has prompted PHE to once again warn people to look out for others and when planning activities, to consider the weather forecast.

The Met Office says the spell of cold will affect all parts of England this weekend and although not as severe as the event experienced in February and earlier this month, it will be cold everywhere with the possibility of widespread snow.

Dr Thomas Waite, a Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health England, said:

The weather has felt much milder for the last week or so but this weekend the forecasters tell us it will get much colder again. And that may come as a shock to the system for some whose bodies may struggle to cope in cold weather.

It’s worth remembering that cold temperatures – indoors and outdoors, can affect health, particularly in young children, older people and those with heart and lung conditions. So if you know someone in any of these groups, and most of us do, please keep an eye on them over the coming days make sure they’re heating their homes to at least 18 degrees and keeping an eye on the weather forecast.

Laura Patterson, Chief Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

A cold easterly airflow is expected to return during the weekend, likely lasting until Monday. At present, it looks unlikely to be as severe as the conditions experienced at the start of the month, but unusually low temperatures and some snowfall are still expected. Widespread frost, low daytime temperatures and a significant wind chill are likely to develop.

Snowfall looks likely across high ground in the north-east, Friday into Saturday, with snow showers following behind and affecting low-lying areas, especially in the south and east.