UK households are being urged to stock up on essentials, including medicine, as temperatures fell to -14C temperatures in parts of the UK.
The UK has recorded its coldest January night in 15 years as more freezing temperatures hit last night and temperatures were set to get to -17c.. In Altnaharra, a hamlet in Sutherland, the most northern region of the Highlands, overnight temperatures dropped to minus 14.5C overnight into Friday – the coldest night of the winter so far in the UK.
It was the coldest January overnight temperature since 2010 – which was a month that saw temperatures drop below minus 15C several times at locations across the UK, including minus 22.3C on January 8 in Altnaharra.
This comes after a week of disruptive weather that brought snow, ice, frost, hail, and freezing rain to various regions across England, Scotland, and Wales.
On Saturday, temperatures are set to ‘warm up’ to a relatively balmy -6C, according to the Met Office, before climbing to +9C by Monday. In anticipation of the big freeze, British Gas has issued advice to its customers, recommending that they keep at least ‘three days’ worth’ of food and medicine readily available at home.
A spokesperson for British Gas advised: “It’s a good habit to have at least three days’ worth of food and essentials stored in an easy-to-reach part of your home.”
“That’s things like medicines, drinking water, non-perishable food and snacks, and extra blankets. You should also keep a torch, batteries and a phone charger close by too.”, reports the Express.
Additionally, British Gas has suggested that residents ensure doorways are free from ice and snow, trim any overhanging branches that could fall and cause injury or damage under the weight of snow, and verify that boilers and heating systems are functioning properly.
Snow is forecast again overnight for much of the UK
(Image: (Image: Getty))
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The UK has experienced its chilliest January night in 15 years, with experts predicting more frosty temperatures in the days ahead. In Altnaharra, a northern hamlet in the Highlands, the mercury plummeted to a frigid minus 14.5C on the evening leading into Friday, marking the UK’s coldest night this winter.
This was the most severe January temperature since 2010 when across the UK temperatures routinely fell below minus 15C, including a record minus 22.3C in Altnaharra on 8 January.
The latest Met Office forecast notes a mix of conditions: “Cloud and patchy rain remains in the southwest. Dry with light winds and clear spells elsewhere allowing frost and freezing fog to form. Cold again for most with a severe frost in the north.”
The outlook into the new week suggests a slight warm-up: “Turning less cold into the new week. Mostly dry and settled in the south, although rather cloudy. Windier in the northwest with some rain at times. Still some chilly nights.”