Liverpool weather: Met Office forecast big freeze as alert increased to amber

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an Amber Cold Health Alert for North West England as wintry conditions sweep across the country.

The alert covers Merseyside and runs until 12.00pm on Friday, January 12. The region had previously been placed under a yellow alert from Saturday, with the Met Office forecasting a period of lower-than-average temperatures across this weekend and the coming week.

According to the UKHSA, the upgraded amber alert means: “Cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time, with potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors may also start to observe impacts, indicating a coordinated response is required."

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Cold weather can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, so it can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.

"Temperatures are expected to turn particularly cold overnight, as we would expect at this time of year. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65 it is important to try and heat the rooms where you spend most of your time, such as your living room or bedroom, in the coming days."

In Liverpool, temperatures are not forecast to drop below 1°C, however, it will feel much colder due to the brisk easterly breeze. The Met Office say the 'feels like' temperature will drop to -2°C overnight on Monday and Tuesday.

The weather experts also warn that areas of higher ground in the North West could see 'severe frost' and cold conditions are expected to continue throughout the week. A yellow weather warning for ice and snow is in place over parts of southern England, but Merseyside is currently not affected.

Met Office five-day weather forecast for Liverpool

• ⛅ Monday, January 8 - Overcast changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime. High 4°C. Low 2°C.
• ⛅Tuesday, January 9 - Overcast changing to sunny intervals by late morning. High 4°C. Low 2°C.
• ☁️ Wednesday, January 10 - Overcast. High 6°C. Low 4°C
• ☁️ Thursday, January 11 - Overcast. High 7°C. Low 4°C
• ☁️ Friday, January 12 - Overcast. High 6°C. Low 4°C