UK weather: ’cause for concern’ – Millions can’t afford to heat their homes as ‘dangerously cold’ weather sets in | UK News

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New research shows that more than three million low-income families cannot afford to heat their homes during the current cold weather spell – putting their health at risk.

It comes as the Met Office warns of an Arctic blast hitting the UK, which could cause temperatures as low as -10C by the end of the week.

Motorists may encounter treacherous conditions on the roads, with train journeys taking longer than usual.

The UK’s Health and Security Agency has issued a cold weather warning – and it says people at risk should heat their homes to at least 18C, wear extra layers of clothing and eat hot food to protect themselves.

But about 710,000 families cannot follow this advice because they cannot pay for warm clothes, heating and food, and another 2.5 million low-income families live without it.

The research was conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and chief economist Rachel Earwicker said: “The looming serious cold weather is cause for concern.

“People are forced to bet their financial health and whether they can take on more debt, against their own well-being without adequate heating, clothing or hot food.”

The survey of 4,251 people in the bottom 40% of income indicated that about 4.3 million had reduced the amount they spent on heating.

It also found that many families are already behind on their bills, owing more than £1,600 on average.

And temperatures are likely to remain low for some time yet.

Read more: Families face difficult choices a year after the cost of living crisis

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5:08 “I had to turn off my gas”

Arctic Marine Air Mass: Snow and Ice Forecast

The Met Office has extended yellow weather warnings to Thursday and Friday, with ice expected across much of Northern Ireland, Wales, parts of northern England and most of England’s eastern and western coastal areas.

The forecaster said that the northern half of Scotland is likely to see snow and ice on both days.

Steve Wellington, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “As Arctic sea air mass stabilizes across the UK, temperatures will drop with widespread overnight frosts, severe in places, and daytime temperatures just above degrees Celsius. antifreeze.

“However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring sunnier conditions, with some dry and sunny periods, especially off the coast and where the winds are light, it can feel quite happy in the sunshine. Some erratic freezing fog is also likely.

“It will get rainier and wintry with an increased risk of snow as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or over higher ground.”

Beware of slippery roads and sidewalks

Roads, sidewalks and bike lanes can all be slippery, the Met Office said, and motorists have been warned to keep blankets in their cars in case they break down.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis added: “Our advice is to be winter ready – check the tires correctly and with good tread, topping up the oil and coolant levels and washing the screen if necessary.

Drivers who have older batteries in their cars may also want to give their car a 20-minute drive before cold conditions arrive to ensure the battery can handle sub-zero temperatures.

“It is also helpful to have a fully charged cell phone and carry a blanket in case a heating malfunction occurs.”

Image: Around 2,000 homes in Sheffield have had no gas for five days

No gas for heating or cooking for five days

Meanwhile, about 2,000 homes in the Sheffield area of ​​Stannington have been without gas for five days, and some may be without supplies until the end of the week.

A water main exploded on Friday night – sending hundreds of thousands of liters of water into the gas grid.

Sheffield City Council leader Terry Fox said the authority had declared a major incident so staff could be redeployed to the area.

Asked about the approaching cold snap, Mr. Fox said: “We’re very concerned…but what we’ve seen, very frankly, is a real deep community spirit where people are helping individuals.”

Olivia Blake, the Labor MP for Sheffield Hallam, said she had asked Chancellor Jeremy Hunt for emergency funding for the council and raised the issue in the House of Commons on Wednesday, but said she had not yet received a response.

Cadent, which operates the gas network, says 150 people have been working day and night to fix the problem, and have begun reconnecting the gas to some homes.

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