A COLD health alert remains in place for Worcestershire as temperatures hit freezing. 

The amber cold health alert was issued by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office for many parts of the county including the West Midlands and runs throughout this week. 

It is currently set to be lifted on Friday, (January 12) at noon.

An amber alert means “cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time”.

The cold weather can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections and can have a serious health impact for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.

As we previously reported there is even a chance of snow, the the Met Office saying “one or two light sleet or snow flurries are possible”.

Temperatures in the county were at 1C this morning (January 8), and the forecast for today is for it to reach just 4C this lunchtime. 

According to the Worcester forecast, the 'feels like' temperature for the next couple of days will remain at about -1C or -2C.

The good news is it is set to get warmer later in the week. 

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the United Kingdom into next week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.”