A yellow cold health alert has been issued for Kent as temperatures are expected to plummet.

Coming into force from Saturday at 9am and lasting until Friday, January 12, it comes as more settled but chillier weather returns to the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency and Met Office say vulnerable people including the elderly, very young, pregnant mums and anyone with long-term health conditions are at increased risk of falling ill.

Daytime temperatures during the alert are expected to remain in low single figures while nights could dip below freezing, with possible morning frosts and already wet ground turning icy.

Residents are asked to check in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they keep safe.

The guidance is only the second cold health alert issued under the UK Health Security Agency’s adverse weather and health plan during what’s been an unseasonably wet and mild winter so far.

Dr Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council’s director of public health, says staying warm and well during cold spells is important for everyone.

He said: “Given the sometimes delayed impacts of cold weather on our health, please keep looking out for the vulnerable people in your life, including our older residents, the very young, anyone with heart and respiratory conditions or poor mental health - and follow common sense advice.

“Heating one room to at least 18°c, having hot food and drinks and getting the free seasonal vaccines on offer if eligible can all help protect against illness brought on by the cold, such as heart attacks and strokes – reducing the need for NHS treatment or trip to A&E.”

Kate Langford, chief medical officer at NHS Kent and Medway, says prolonged cold weather can be a risk for anyone, but those who are vulnerable, including elderly people, those with breathing difficulties, and children under five, are particularly at risk.

This alert follows a yellow weather warning for rain starting tomorrow at midday and lasting until Friday at 3am.

It comes after Storm Henk caused disruption across the county earlier this week.