Cold health alerts active as severe frost and freezing fog hit the UK

Arctic air continues to grip the UK, bringing a sharp and widespread frost to start the weekend. Towns and cities in England and Wales are expecting temperatures to drop to -2 or -3C, while rural areas could see lows of -5C. Additionally, southern and south-east England face patchy freezing fog, which can create hazardous conditions and slippery surfaces. The cold and dry spell is set to change by Sunday as low pressure moves in from the Atlantic. This shift will bring frost-free starts alongside brisk winds and heavy bursts of rain across much of the country, providing some relief for areas experiencing drought.