A weather warning for snow – in place today – has been extended north and now covers the whole of West Berkshire and North Hampshire.
The news comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) extends its amber cold health alert.
Louisa Moore captured this beautiful photograph of Newbury Market Place on Saturday evening
The district has seen a sprinkling of snow over the past few days and more is now forecast this evening.
The Met Office said that outbreaks of sleet and snow are expected through this afternoon and evening, although they do not expect it to settle in many places.
But as the skies clear, it also warned that ice is likely to form on untreated surfaces.
It warns people to allow more time for journeys in the icy conditions and advises pedestrians and cyclists to stick to main roads that are more likely to have been gritted.
“If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger),” it added.
The yellow weather warning runs until midnight.
Last Thursday, UKHSA issued its amber cold health alert, which was due to expire at midday today (Wednesday).
It has now been extended until midday on Sunday (January 12).
The alerts are issued when the forecast weather is “likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services”.
The low temperatures experienced this week were expected to lead to pressure on health services, particularly by vulnerable and elderly people.
This has been the case, with a number of hospitals declaring critical incidents.
Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester declared a critical incident yesterday for second time in space of a month.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
Louisa Moore captured this lovely image at St Nicolas Church in Newbury on Saturday night
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
A number of flood alerts also remain in place across the district. This means flooding is possible.
A number of flood alerts are currently also in place in West Berkshire.
They are warning of groundwater flooding in the Great Shefford area; the Lambourn Valley catchment and in West Ilsley, East Ilsley, Compton, Chilton and West Hagbourne.
There are also warnings in place on the River Kennet and its tributaries from Berwick Bassett down to Newbury; on the River Kennet from Thatcham down to Reading; on the River Pang from East Ilsley to Pangbourne and Sulham Brook; on the River Thames and its tributaries from Days Lock to above Pangbourne; on the River Thames from Mapledurham to Sonning; and on the River Thames from Pangbourne to Purley.