The NHS advice comes as the Met Office issues severe weather warnings for snow and ice across much of the UK, with Cold Weather Payments available for eligible households
Snowfall has been predicted for parts of the UK(Image: Getty Images)
Families throughout Britain are being told to maintain their homes at a recommended minimum temperature to remain safe during the winter months. The advice follows a Met Office warning that regions across the UK should brace themselves for cold weather and snow in the days ahead.
Dangerously cold temperatures can trigger or worsen various health problems and present significant dangers to at-risk groups. Those particularly vulnerable include over-65s, people with long-term medical conditions, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Moreover, extra financial assistance may be accessible for households worried about keeping their heating adequate, according to NHS guidance. This becomes particularly crucial at this time of year, with weather experts forecasting a steep temperature decline over the coming days.
Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly explained: “We’re entering a much colder period with Arctic air sinking south to cover the whole country by Friday. Temperatures will fall well below average, with snow showers and snow accumulations likely, particularly in northern and some central areas. There is also a risk of widespread ice.
“Very cold temperatures will continue through Saturday and Sunday, with minus double figures overnight and daytime temperatures not rising above 0°C for many areas. Wintry hazards will continue, with more severe weather warnings possible. It looks like this cold spell could last well into next week, so it is important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings and plan ahead.”
Recommended temperature for heating your home
NHS guidance suggests it’s generally prudent to heat spaces where you spend a lot of time, such as living rooms or bedrooms, to at least 18C. However, households with young babies should maintain nurseries at a temperature between 16C and 20C.
The primary reason for the additional warmth required for infants is to minimise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It’s also recommended to close curtains at dusk and keep doors shut to prevent draughts from distributing cold air throughout your property.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, stated: “As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
Financial help if you’re worried about heating costs
If the cost of keeping your home sufficiently warm during winter, particularly when temperatures plummet to or below freezing, is causing you concern, you may be eligible for extra support. This could encompass discounts or grants to assist with your energy bill payments.
For instance, you might be entitled to benefits such as Universal Credit, which can offer up to £628.10 per month depending on your situation – comprehensive details about this are available here.
Cold Weather Payment You may also qualify for a £25 payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for each seven-day period when temperatures in your area fall to 0C or below. To be eligible for this payment, you must be receiving one of the following benefits:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (if you get severe or enhanced disability premium, or a pensioner premium, or you live with a child who is disabled, or you have a child under five living with you)
- Support for Mortgage Interest (if you have any of the following: severe or enhanced disability premium, a pensioner premium, a child who is disabled,or a child under five living with you)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (if you get disability or pensioner premium, or you live with a child who is disabled, or you have a child under five living with you)
- Income Support (if you get disability or pensioner premium, or you live with a child who is disabled, or you have a child under five living with you)
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit (if you’re not employed or “gainfully” self-employed, your partner is not employed or “gainfully” self-employed – you or your must also have a health condition or disability and have limited capability for work, or have a child under five living with you)