A cold weather alert has been issued for the whole of England from Monday as cold weather is due to sweep in.

The Level 2 alert starts at 1am on Monday, March 6, and runs until midnight on Wednesday, March 8.

The cold spell is set to hit Somerset from Monday, with the risk of snow showers on higher ground including Exmoor on Monday night into Tuesday.

Temperatures are expected to drop below zero and reach as low as minus 2C overnight on Tuesday into Wednesday, but it will feel much colder, according to the Met Office.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “During periods like this, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather, as it can have a serious impact on health.

“If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18°C if you can.”

Chris Almond, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Although we’ve moved into meteorological spring there will be a distinctly wintry feel to our weather next week. 

“Very cold air will spread across the UK bringing snow showers even to sea level in the north on Monday and these snow showers could spread further south on Tuesday."

The UHSA says if people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

The Met Office says the cold air from the north will sweep across the UK from Monday, bringing snow showers to Scotland, Northern Ireland and the East Coast of England, with widespread freezing conditions across the whole country.

The forecaster said: “Although there is uncertainty in the forecast by the middle of next week, the most likely scenario is for the cold spell to persist, but there is a lower probability that milder air will approach from the South West. 

“There could be a spell of snow for a time before turning to rain if the milder air moves in. Whether this occurs, and how far north across the UK this milder air progresses is still uncertain and details will be determined with a shorter lead time.”