Snow falls across Shropshire this morning after 'coldest night of the year'

Many parts of the West Midlands woke up to their "first taste of winter" this morning (November 19) following yesterday's warnings for icy weather. 

The amber warning covers the east and north of England, the Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. People across Wolverhampton, the Black Country and Shropshire have seen their cars and homes dusted with snow overnight. 

Cold temperatures, ice and further snow feature on the forecast for the coming days, according to the Met Office. It is predicted temperatures could drop to minus 2C in London on Friday, minus 4C in Birmingham and minus 7C further north. 

Within affected areas, there is a chance of power cuts, disruption to road and public transport and the risk of injury from slipping on ice.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season and, along with charity Age UK, warned that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”

Charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “With the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning of snow and ice in some areas this week we are especially worried – the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has caused many older people to be extra fearful about turning on their heating this winter.

“With high energy bills and food prices it is understandable that some may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, especially if they are already trying to manage existing illnesses.

“The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.”