Devon to freeze in icy blast

The Met office has warned of incoming frost as temperatures plunge in Devon.

An icy blast is set to end the current mild spell in the South of England and will begin a period of low average temperatures over the coming months.

The Met Office said: “Indications are that December will most likely be colder than average. For December-January-February as a whole uncertainty is quite large but below-average temperatures are more likely than above-average.”

The average temperature in December is 3.9C while January is slightly chillier at 3.6C.

Snow is already expected in the North of England and Scotland this week as the winter weather comes into force.

The Government has reminded people to be mindful of more vulnerable family and neighbours during the chill.

Last year alone, there were 31,100 'excess winter deaths' in England and Wales in - a 29% increase compared with the previous winter.

The Met Office will once again host the 'Get Ready for Winter' web pages on behalf of a range of Government Departments and voluntary organisations, offering advice and links to a range of organisations to help individuals, families and communities prepare for winter. The campaign will build on last year's very successful initiative which saw thousands of people get the information they need to prepare for all weather conditions through the winter months.

Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said: "Building on the success of last year's 'Get Ready for Winter' initiative, government departments and our partners in the voluntary sector will again be providing comprehensive advice that will help individuals, families and communities prepare and stay safe this winter.

"From tips on preparing your property and vehicle, to the latest weather forecasts and warnings, the initiative will provide a one-stop shop for all winter weather related information."

The Met Office works closely with government departments, contingency planners and partner organisations including the voluntary sector, throughout the year to make sure they have the best advice available to help them prepare for and deal with the impacts that our weather can bring.

Simon Lewis, head of emergency response at the British Red Cross and Chair of the Voluntary Sector Civil Protection Forum, said: "Severe weather will undoubtedly affect thousands of people across the UK this winter and we believe it is vital they have the necessary information to help them prepare. All the charities involved are delighted to offer simple hints and tips as well as free apps and resources to help people better prepare for the winter to come."

Age UK, with the support of John Lewis, has launched its Spread the Warmth campaign, to increase awareness of the impact of cold weather on older people in particular and provide the UK's older citizens with the help they need to stay warm, all winter long.

During its annual Spread the Warmth Campaign, Age UK and its local and national partners will be working hard to help older people keep warm and well in a number of ways, including through winter benefit checks and handy person services.

They will also provide hot nutritious meals at local lunch clubs as well as home visits and friendly telephone calls through befriending services for those who may feel isolated.