A three-day health alert for cold weather has been issued for the Midlands and northern England.

It warns of a greater risk to life to vulnerable people and a minor impact on healthcare services due to increased demand.

The alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) runs from 6am on 13 February until 8am on 16 February.

Met Office snow and ice warnings are also in force on 12 and 13 February for northern England and virtually the whole of Scotland.

Sky News weather producer Chris England said the cold would “come as something of a shock after the long mild, wet spell”.

“The jet stream, which guides our weather systems, will move briefly south to end the week, allowing an increasingly northerly flow, bringing more wintry conditions,” said England.

However, he added that milder conditions should spread from the South later in the weekend.

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