As chilly conditions envelop the UK, residents are being advised to adopt a ‘face mask rule’ before venturing outdoors. This guidance coincides with the Met Office’s issuance of multiple yellow severe weather warnings, anticipating snow and ice across extensive regions. Particularly affected are parts of Scotland and northern England, which are under yellow warnings until Thursday, November 20. With temperatures forecasted to drop below freezing, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared an amber cold health alert for areas including North West England, North East England, and Yorkshire and the Humber. The Met Office predicts the coldest spell will hit on Wednesday, potentially bringing up to 5cm of snow at lower elevations.

In preparation for the impending wintry conditions, authorities are advising households to stock up on essentials such as torches, batteries, and blankets, in case of power outages. Furthermore, individuals planning to go out are encouraged to take necessary precautions, which include adhering to the ‘face mask rule’.

The NHS highlights that cold weather can exacerbate asthma symptoms, recommending people to wear a scarf over their mouth like a face mask to shield against the cold.

Wearing a scarf in this manner effectively warms the air before it’s inhaled, thus mitigating the likelihood of asthma symptoms being triggered, according to health officials.

Additionally, it is suggested to breathe through the nose rather than the mouth, as this also helps to warm the inhaled air.

The NHS advises: “Cold weather is a common trigger for asthma symptoms. There are measures you can take to manage your symptoms during colder months.”

“Carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times and keep taking your regular preventer inhaler as prescribed. If you need to use your inhaler more than usual, speak to your doctor about reviewing your treatment.

“Keep warm and dry – wear gloves, a scarf and a hat, and carry an umbrella. Wrap a scarf loosely over your nose and mouth – this will help warm up the air before you breathe it.

“Try breathing in through your nose instead of your mouth – your nose warms the air as you breathe.”

Met Office advice also recommends that people plan to leave their house at least five minutes earlier than normal to reduce the risk of accidents, slips and falls, in the icy weather, and if travelling on foot, stick to pavements along main roads as these are likely to be less slippery. If cycling, it is best to stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.

Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “Wednesday to Friday will be the coldest part of the week, and this period has the greatest potential for impactful weather, with multiple warnings in place. Overnight, temperatures could get down to minus ten, with a significant wind chill from the strong northerly wind making things feel even colder.

“Wintry snow showers are expected to extend south through Wednesday and into Thursday, mainly affecting north facing coastal areas. Snow accumulations are possible, including 2-5 cm to some low-lying areas in the north and east where showers are frequent. 

“On hills in parts of Northern Ireland, the northeast of England and Scotland, 5-10 cm of snow could fall and accumulations of 15-20cm are possible above 300 metres in parts of northeastern England and Scotland.

“Although many places will see plenty of sunshine, daytime temperatures will be well-below average, with a widespread frost setting in during the evening, especially in sheltered areas.