An amber cold health alert has been issued for Southampton as temperatures plummet across the country.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued the alert across the South East from 12 midday today – Thursday, January 2 – until 12 midday on Wednesday, January 8.

Daytime temperatures in the coming days will drop as low as 4C, with a chance of the region seeing snowfall on Saturday.

READ MORE: Met Office hour-by-hour forecast for Southampton cold snap

In a statement, a spokesperson for the UK Health Security Agency said: “Forecast weather is likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. We may also see impacts on younger age groups.

“There will likely be an increase in demand for health services and temperatures inside places like hospitals, care homes, and clinics dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks.

“Challenges in keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°C leading to more risk to vulnerable people.”

The spokesperson added: “There may be staffing issues due to external factors – such as travel delays – with other sectors starting to observe impacts, such as transport and energy.”