Don't put your winter coats away just yet: Forecasters warn of four days of freezing weather

If you were hoping for a little respite from the cold weather, the prospects are not looking good.
A five-day cold snap is set to hit England, with temperatures dipping as low as -6C.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning amid fears the freezing weather could ravage the health of the elderly, young children and other vulnerable people.
They say there is a 90 per cent chance of severe cold weather and icy conditions striking parts of England between today and Sunday.

 

Enjoy it while it lasts: Two girls in Southsea, Hampshire enjoy an ice cream today, but forecasters have warned not to put your coats away just yet

 

Away from the elements: These sunseekers didn't let a chilly wind on Southsea beach spoil their day at the beach as they sheltered behind a windbreak

The Met Office said: ‘Prolonged periods of cold weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old, or those with chronic diseases.’
‘This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.’

 

Temperatures are expected to plunge below freezing over the next five days, with much of the UK dropping to -2C and -3C, and even -6C in some areas.
A Met Office spokesman added: ‘The main thing we’re concerned with is the cold and how it will have an effect on health, rather than travel and transport.’
The cold will be heightened by strong winds dragged over the North Sea from Scandinavia and Siberia, especially in southern areas, which will also face ‘penetrating overnight frosts’.

 

Spring not yet sprung: A family make the most of yesterday's sunny weather with a boat ride on the lake at Southsea. But the weather is to turn much colder in the next few days

The Met Office also warned that roads and pavements are likely to be icy over the next five days, but no major disruption from snow is expected.
After a frosty start today, it will be a cold and breezy day across the UK with sunny spells.
The best of the sunshine will be across western England, while central and eastern parts of the country will be fairly cloudy with the chance of a few snow flurries towards North Sea coasts.
The cold snap is set to continue into the rest of next week although the severe weather alert expires at 7am on Sunday.

 

Larger than life: Youngsters clamber around on a boat on the lake at Southsea yesterday