Sheffield weather: Temperatures fall to -2C as health chiefs issue warning over freezing conditons

Temperatures dropped to nearly minus 10C on Monday night - the coldest of the autumn so

far.

According to the Met Office, the mercury fell to minus 9.9C (14.2F) in Braemar, north-east

Scotland, on Monday night.

The Met Office said that temperatures felll to -2.2C in Sheffield at 5am.

Later this evening temperatures will drop to 2C in Sheffield, with the Met office reporting it set to feel like 0C.

The city will remain chilly through the day with spells of sunshine, although high cloud may make it hazy at times.

A yellow weather warning for dense and freezing fog was in place across large parts of England and eastern Wales on Tuesday morning, including areas around Sheffield.

According to the Met Office, the freezing fog will linger across parts of England and Wales throughout the day.

Meteorologist Grahame Madge said: “We have weather warnings out until 11am (onTuesday) but in some places it could persist more than that.”

Public Health England has issued a cold weather warning, urging people to look out for those most at-risk.

Dr Emer O’Connell, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health England, said: “Older people and those with heart and lung problems are at risk of getting sick in cold weather.

“Keep an eye out for those who may need help staying warm, ensure they wear lots of thin layers and have everything they need.

“Below 18 degrees, changes to the body mean that the risk of strokes, heart attacks and chest infections increase so heating homes to this temperature is particularly important to stay well.”

The freezing fog hung around throughout Tuesday morning’s rush-hour.

North West Motorway Police tweeted to say “the gritters have worked tirelessly all night, but it’s still icy out there.”

They also offered some safety tips for motorists, suggesting people drive on main roads, rather than quieter rural routes, and use a cigarette lighter to warm a key if the locks are frozen.

Mr Madge said: “Fog is always a driving hazard, and people need to take account of that when they are travelling.”

He warned drivers not to become complacent if they have passed through a clear area, saying “Don’t think the next 10 miles will be free of fog.”

Temperatures throughout the day will struggle to reach double figures across much of the country.