De-icers and gritters on standby across Lancashire as weather set to plummet
Temperatures are set to drop below freezing.
Gritters are on standby across Lancashire as temperatures get set to plummet.
The first cold snap of the season has arrived with Yellow cold alerts issued from the UK Health Security Agency in association with the Met Office, and are valid from now until 12 noon on Saturday.
The yellow alerts warn of minor impacts on the health and social care sector, with increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people - who face a greater risk to life.
The air affecting the UK has come all the way from the Arctic.
A cold start, with frost inland and freezing fog for some valleys in the north. Fog will lift during the morning, but frost may last through the day in sheltered spots. Sunny and dry. Feeling chilly with temperatures below average. Maximum temperature 7 °C.
Today will see a frosty, sunny morning, then becoming increasingly cloudy with a few scattered showers during the afternoon. Feeling chilly, though only a light breeze. Maximum temperature 6 °C.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Cloudy on Saturday with showers continuing, focused over Cumbria, and a brisk, cold coastal breeze at times. Dry and cloudy on Sunday, then brighter on Monday.
Check in on elderly residents
Winter weather can make everyday life more difficult, particularly for people who may be vulnerable.
We can all help by checking in with friends, relatives and neighbours, or offering practical support such as picking up shopping or collecting medicines.
A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: “If someone needs more help, the council may be able to connect them with support for everyday tasks.
“Our #LancsWinter campaign brings together gritting updates, advice, support and things to do throughout the winter season.”
You can find out more on this here
A spokesperson for Lancashire Highways said: “Temperatures are dropping, and our gritters are ready to go!
“A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to get us winter-ready.
“Our gritters have been serviced and maintained, our drivers have been out familiarising themselves with their routes, and our teams are ready to respond when the temperatures fall.
“So when the forecast tells us it’s time to grit, we’re ready to roll and help keep Lancashire moving safely this winter.”
If you park on a priority gritting route, please leave enough room for gritters to get through safely.