CUMBRIA is braced for a cold snap as temperatures as low as –6 degrees celsius have been forecast for later in the week.

The incoming cold weather conditions mean that the UK health security agency have issued a level three cold weather alert for Cumbria and the rest of England from Wednesday evening through to Monday, December 12.

The Met Office has also warned of a potential snow risk as the week progresses.

Temperatures have been around average for the time of year over the past week, but the met office have warned of a sharp drop in temperatures by the end of the week.

The Met Office has forecasted highs over the weekend of just two degrees in Carlisle with wind chill contributing to the icy conditions.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, said: “Temperatures will start to dip this week, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing in many places from mid-week onwards.

“However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells in many areas, particularly away from the coast.

“Showers will turn more wintry as the week goes on with a risk of snow at times.

“There will be widespread frosts with temperatures falling to as low as -10°C overnight in isolated spots by the end of the week.”

Although there are some uncertainties around how long this cold spell will last it is expected to stay cold into next week with temperatures remaining well below average for the time of year.

The met office has released advice on how to stay warm and safe over the next week with guidance including keeping rooms you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, at above 18 degrees, keeping your bedroom windows closed at night and wearing several layers of clothing.

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