SNOW showers and icy winds will hit East Anglia this week, with temperatures falling to the lowest level so far this winter, weather experts have warned.
SNOW showers and icy winds will hit East Anglia this week, with temperatures falling to the lowest level so far this winter, weather experts have warned.
From Monday, the region will be gripped by freezing temperatures with up to 4cms of snow expected to fall in some parts during the week.
EADT weatherman Ken Blower said several days of easterly winds would bring snow showers – with the earliest possibly falling today
He said: "Early next week we will have the coldest spell so far this winter and it's really a case of winter making a late appearance.
"For the first time this year we are going to have several days of easterly winds and they're going to bring in very cold weather and showers of snow after the weekend.
"Today may see some showers of sleet, snow or hail but the chief cold spell will begin on Monday. The highest temperature will be 3C (36F) and the cold spell will go on most of the week."
He added: "A fairly large area of the continent has been very cold for a couple of weeks and it looks as if some cold air will spread across the North Sea and into East Anglia."
Easterly winds are expected to reach 20mph, which will make it feel even colder.
Mr Blowers said there would be frosts after dark with temperatures dropping to -2C (28F).
Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a severe weather warning, saying there could be a substantial period of snow mid-week, which will persist for several days.
The NHS is calling on people to take care and spend the next two days preparing for the cold spell. Dr Tony Jewell, director of Public Health and clinical director for the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority, said: "We tend to be complacent about cold weather in this country. We shouldn't underestimate the impact the cold can have on our health. Our advice to people is be prepared. Don't wait for Monday"
Health experts advise that falling temperatures can lead to a higher risk of people catching colds or influenza – or even dying.
Around half of all extra deaths each winter are due to respiratory disease and a third due to heart disease or strokes.
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