Incoming low temperatures have sparked a cold-health alert for areas of the UK, with impact on health services “possible” in Hertfordshire.

The UK Health Security Agency put out the warning this morning, which will be in place from 9am on Sunday, November 17, to 9am on Thursday, November 21.

‘Yellow’ warnings are in place for the North of England and the Midlands, while the alert is ‘green’ further south, including Hertfordshire.

Its green colour indicates that “minor impacts are possible across health and social services” but are not “expected”.

The two potential impacts highlighted are an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and greater risk to life of vulnerable people.

The UK had its driest start to November on record, according to provisional Met Office figures, but unsettled and colder weather is expected to sweep in over the weekend and next week.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: “The high pressure that has been responsible for the mainly dry weather through much of this week will retrogress into the Atlantic as we get towards the weekend."

However, the following week will then see Hertfordshire temperatures drop as time goes on – ranging from 8C with rain on the Monday to 4C with sleet on the Friday.

Snow?

Met Office forecasters have said snow is possible in northern areas – particularly on hills – but it does not appear likely to reach Hertfordshire.

Mr Sidaway said: “This shift does introduce the possibility of snow, initially over high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard.

“There is a lot of uncertainty by Sunday, but there remain a number of scenarios which could bring some more widespread rain, along with some hill snow and stronger winds.

“Warnings for winter hazards are possible later in the weekend, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”