Snow expected to hit Peterborough on Sunday as weather warning extended until Wednesday

A Met Office weather warning for snow and ice is in place from Saturday afternoon until Wednesday lunchtime - but the worst of the snow fall is currently forecast to arrive on Sunday.

A Cold Weather Alert has been triggered for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Severe cold weather is due to make its way across the county from Saturday 6 February until Wednesday 10 February.

Severe cold weather can be very harmful, especially for people aged 65 or older, the very young or those with chronic disease.

Val Thomas, Deputy Director of Public Health at Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, said: “It is really important to keep warm during this cold weather – both inside and outdoors to make sure that you keep fit and well. Cold weather can be very harmful for health as it increases the risk of chest infections, heart, and other problems. It is especially for important for children under the age of 5 years and older people to keep warm as they have greater risk of becoming unwell.

“Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer when out and about, and when you need to go outside wear shoes with slip resistant, good grip soles. Wearing suitable clothing inside and outside of the home along with keeping your heating at least 18°C in winter reduces the risks to your health when you are wearing suitable clothing.

“Older neighbours, relatives, friends and other elderly members of the community are more vulnerable in the winter months and may need a bit of extra help this winter. So, make sure you keep in touch, check if they are feeling under the weather, help them stock up on food supplies, make sure they have plenty of warm food and drinks. Also, it is important that they have their necessary medication during this spell of bad weather. This needs to be done following COVID-19 guidance.”

Trevor Robbins-Pratt, from Peterborough Weather Watch, said; " This area is threatened by an area of rain late Saturday, early hours Sunday, which looks set to turn increasingly to snow through those early hours on Sunday.

"There is a risk of snow at times affecting Peterborough throughout Sunday. It is tricky to put a figure on specific accumulation amounts through Sunday, but I wouldn't be surprised to values over an inch in many places.

"The amount of snow the area sees, is dependent on the track of an area of Low Pressure and where that is actually located across Northern France/Low Countries through Sunday, as this is the feature that will be pushing bands of snow towards/across the East of England.

"It is possible that a 'shower train' could develop, feeding a stream of snow showers across parts of the region, enhancing any snowfall accumulation.

"The risk of snow showers exists for Monday as well.

"A cold few days ahead with temperatures struggling to peak much above 1°C or 2°C from Sunday through to possibly Thursday."

Top tips to keep warm during cold weather:

Keep Warm

Heat your home to at least 18°C

Ensure you have adequate food, medication and warm clothes

Check if you are eligible for help to keep your home warm

Keep Well

Stay as active as you can

Follow COVID-19 guidance

Keep Connected Safely

Get help if you need it. Speak to your GP, pharmacist, carer or key worker for advice

Keep in touch with friends, family and your community

Look out for others. Ask how they are keeping warm during cold weather