Peterborough Weather: How long cold snap will last in city as temperatures remain around freezing

The first proper cold snap of the winter has hit Peterborough – and the rest of the country – hard, with freezing temperatures, frost – and even snow, being seen in the city.

While cold weather is expected in January, this particular spell seems to have been going on for a long time.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber cold health alert for much of the country – including Peterborough – on January 2, and that warning is still in place, and will remain so until at least Sunday.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "We are extending the duration of our Cold-Health Alert, since the Met Office are forecasting that the low temperatures we are seeing will continue further into this week, with snow and icy conditions likely to persist.

“This weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital that we continue to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”

So when will the cold snap end?

For those hoping for a bit of a milder spell for the weekend look set to be disappointed.

But looking further into next week, there is a glimmer of hope.

The Met Office forecast for Thursday (January 9) is for a dry, sunny day – but with temperatures only creeping above freezing for a few hours between 11am and 5pm. However, while the mercury will creep above 0C on the thermometer, the ‘feels like’ temperature will remain below zero throughout the day.

Temperatures will fall to -4C on Friday morning – so you’ll need to scrape your windscreen in the morning again.

Friday looks to be even colder than Thursday, with temperatures only reaching 0C between 1pm and 3pm.

There are similar pictures on Saturday and Sunday, with cold temperatures, and fog forecast on both days. Again, the only time when temperatures will be above freezing will be the early afternoon.

Monday looks set to see the end of the really cold temperatures, with highs of a ‘balmy’ 6C forecast for the afternoon.

Tuesday will follow that trend – with temperatures even forecast to reach 10C by the afternoon.

Impact on services

The cold weather has already had a major impact on services. Peterborough City Hospital has been exceptionally busy, with people told to only attend A&E in an absolute emergency.

The council’s Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) has also been activated to keep rough sleepers safe.

If you are rough sleeping or have found someone rough sleeping, please call 01733 864064 (01733 864157 after 6pm).

People rough sleeping without access to a phone can go to the New Haven in Towler Street who will contact Housing Needs for you

The council’s outreach team will continue to look for and reach out to rough sleepers at various times of the day and night.

You can let the council know about rough sleepers here: https://streetlink.org.uk

Warm hub spaces are also available at a number of places