Britain is bracing itself for a biting cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to a freezing -5C, leading to health warnings after the aftermath of Storm Henk's havoc.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a cold weather alert for the upcoming week due to the high possibility of ice formation, particularly as the ground remains heavily saturated in most regions following recent wet weather.

Following a brief spell of milder conditions over the weekend, a sharp shift is expected, bringing temperatures notably below average, especially during the nights.

Meteorologists anticipate this cold spell to persist well into the following week.

According to a spokesperson from the Met Office, "After a period of rain or showers, much of the country is expected to transition to clearer, drier conditions over the weekend. This shift is attributed to the probable establishment of high pressure, either over the UK or just north of the country, signaling a change to colder, drier, and more settled weather for most areas."

"The upcoming week will see a noticeable drop in temperatures across much of the country, with frost likely overnight. Given the combination of ground moisture, calm conditions, and longer nights, the risk of fog also looms," the spokesperson added.

The UK Health Security Agency's cold weather alert covers the entirety of England, starting from 9 am on January 6 and extending until 12 noon on January 9.

Temperatures are predicted to dip notably below average, particularly during the night, leading to increased instances of overnight frost. The prevailing wet ground conditions in many areas heighten the likelihood of ice formation, urging caution and preparedness among residents. Photo by Richard Knights, Wikimedia commons.