A cold weather yellow alert has been issued for England, with temperatures in Leicester set to plunge as low as -2C. The warning means that people need to look out for those most at risk from the chilling conditions, such as the elderly and vulnerable.

According to the latest weather reports from the BBC, Leicester is facing some freezing conditions. On Sunday (Feb 5), it will be a clear day – but temperatures will go as low as -1C during the night. On Monday, again it will be sunny during the daylight, but -1C when it gets dark.

Wednesday (Feb 8), will be colder overnight at -2C. Later in the week, it will be rainy and cold.

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This afternoon (Feb 3) the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office issued the yellow cold weather warning, this lasts from 6pm on Sunday (Feb 5) to 6pm on Tuesday (Feb 7).

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, with older people and those with heart or lung conditions particularly at risk. It’s important to check in on family, friends and relatives who are more vulnerable to the cold weather.

"If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18C if you can. David Oliver, a Deputy Chief forecaster at the Met Office, added: “From Sunday and into early next week an area of high pressure will dominate the UK’s weather.

"This will bring some cold nights with a widespread frost across the country. However, by day temperatures will recover to around mid-single figures, near normal for the time of year.”

UKHSA has supplemented the cold weather plan for England with useful resources and advice on the risks of cold weather and tips for staying warm and well this winter. For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

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