AN amber health warning has been issued across the West Midlands as temperatures are set to plummet.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) put out an amber cold health alert across the region for much of the coming week, from 10am on Monday, November 18 until 6pm on Saturday, November 23.

Temperatures are forecasted to stay in the single digits, dropping below freezing overnight, with the UKHSA saying the “forecast weather is likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services”.

The UKHSA have warned there may be challenges keeping indoor temperatures at recommended levels, posing an increased risk to vulnerable people.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for snow and ice in more northern parts of the region, including Shropshire and Staffordshire, which is in place until November 20.

They have said it is most likely that 15 to 20 centimetres of snow could fall in higher areas, with a chance of five to 10 centimetres settling at lower levels.

The yellow weather alert warns that there could be possible travel disruption across roads, trains and air travel, with an increased risk of injuries due to icy conditions and a chance of power cuts. 

The Met Office forecast for the remainder of the week for the West Midlands is as follows: "An icy start [on Tuesday] in places, especially in hillier areas.

"Sleet and snow soon clearing then turning brighter with sunny periods continuing through the afternoon.

"Feeling cold with brisk northerly winds. Maximum temperature 5 °C.

"Staying cold for the remainder of the week but often dry with sunny or clear periods and perhaps a few wintry flurries at times.

"Widely frosty overnight with icy patches."

Scotland and Northern England are predicted to face the brunt of the potentially snowy conditions, as colder air from the Arctic arrives.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, said: “We have issued yellow warnings for snow and ice as cold weather moves in from the north.

“This brings snow showers and some ice to parts of Scotland on Sunday night, and then the potential for a spell of snow to lead to disruption to some transport routes across a central swathe of the UK on Tuesday morning.

“Gusty winds in the east also remain a potential hazard.

“Updates to the warnings for wintry hazards are likely so it is important to stay up to date with the latest forecast”