First cold health alerts issued as UK temperatures drop to minus 5C

An Arctic air mass is sweeping across the United Kingdom, causing overnight temperatures to drop below zero in many towns and cities and reaching as low as minus 5C in some rural areas. Strong winds and wintry showers are also expected in northern locations. The UK Health Security Agency has put yellow cold health alerts in place for the West Midlands and the north west of England from Thursday morning until Saturday afternoon. Officials warn that the cold snap could pose risks to vulnerable people and impact health and social care services.