How long will cold snap last in Shropshire as temperatures plunge to -6C?

Residents across the West Midlands and Shropshire are being warned to prepare for a sharp drop in temperatures as the first cold snap of the season sweeps across the UK.

A yellow cold health alert has been issued for the West Midlands, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warning that colder conditions could pose a risk to vulnerable people over the coming days.

The alert came into force at 9am on Thursday, November 12, and is due to remain in place until noon on Saturday, November 14.

Temperatures are expected to fall significantly overnight, with some parts of the UK potentially experiencing lows of -6C. The colder conditions are also expected to bring widespread frost, meaning drivers across Shropshire and the West Midlands could face icy windscreens and chilly starts to the day.

The Met Office has warned that the cold spell will feel like the first significant taste of winter, with freezing overnight temperatures expected in some areas.

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said: "The UK is heading towards what will feel like the first cold spell in late autumn, with temperatures likely to drop down towards minus 6C overnight for some in the coming days and a fairly harsh frost likely for some."

Although the coldest conditions are expected overnight, the unsettled weather is set to continue into the weekend.

Saturday is expected to bring rain across western parts of Scotland, before more widespread unsettled conditions develop on Sunday.

Mr Dixon warned that rain could spread across much of the country, with some areas potentially seeing around 30mm throughout the day, particularly in western regions.

There is also a chance of snow over higher ground in northern Scotland, with further wintry conditions possible in the far north on Monday morning.

Health warning issued for West Midlands

The UKHSA has urged people across the West Midlands to take extra care during the cold spell, particularly those who are older or have existing health conditions.

Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: "This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season."

She warned that cold weather can have a serious impact on people's health, particularly those aged 65 and over and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Residents are being encouraged to check on elderly relatives, friends and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the falling temperatures.

Keeping homes adequately heated, wearing warm clothing and limiting exposure to particularly cold conditions can all help reduce the risks.

The yellow alert for the West Midlands is due to end at midday on Saturday, although colder and unsettled weather is expected to remain a feature of the forecast into the weekend.

Residents across Shropshire and the wider West Midlands are therefore being advised to prepare for frosty mornings and keep an eye on the latest weather updates as the first cold snap of the season takes hold.