Cold weather alert for North East as temperatures plummet

The Met Office has issued a cold weather warning for the region as thermostats are set to fall as another icey blast sweeps the UK.

Age UK is asking people to be aware of the dangers such conditions can create for the elderly.

A spokesman for Age UK said: "Please inform older people that there is a strong chance of temperatures falling below 2°C from Tuesday to Friday in the North East, and make sure they have everything they need to keep warm and well.

"As you get older it takes longer to warm up which can be bad for your health. The cold thickens blood and increases blood pressure, and breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections."

Age UK advises that the ideal temperature for a bedroom is 18C and 21C for a living room. Older people should check their thermostat or use a room thermometer to monitor temperature, and keep their bedroom windows shut on a winter’s night.

The Met Office's forecast for the North East:

Today:

A frosty start, then mainly dry and bright through the day with some sunny spells, though a few wintry showers are possible over hills. Feeling cold in brisk north-westerly winds during the morning, though winds ease during the afternoon. Maximum Temperature 6C.

Tonight:

Dry with light winds and long clear spells overnight, leading to a widespread frost developing. Any lingering wintry showers over the Pennines soon clearing during the evening. Minimum Temperature -3C.

Tuesday:

A cold day with some sunny spells and a chance of one or two wintry showers, mainly along the coast. Cold northerly winds gradually ease through the day. Maximum Temperature 4C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:

Cold throughout with overnight frosts. Wednesday quite breezy with sunny spells, and further wintry showers possible near the coast. Thursday and Friday mainly dry and bright with light winds.