Temperatures could feel as cold as -7°C in East Lancashire this weekend as the UK is hit by a spell of cold Arctic air, warns the Met Office.

Many towns across the area will see their temperatures struggle to get above freezing even during the day.

Rossendale will feel the brunt of the chill, particularly early in the morning on Saturday and Sunday, and again on Sunday evening, where it’s expected to feel like -7°C.

Midday looks to be the warmest point for Rossendale this weekend with a high of 0°C, though it will still feel colder due to icy winds.

Blackburn will wake up to temperatures of around -1°C on Saturday morning with a high of 1°C at Midday, which will be repeated on Sunday.

Darwen is very much the same though the coldest feels like temperature will be -5°C compared to -6°C in Blackburn.

Accrington will be slightly warmer on Saturday with an average of -2°C throughout the day, although it could feel as cold as -4°C early in the morning and late in the evening.

On Sunday, that will drop slightly to -3°C throughout the day while the wind chill could make it feel like -5°C.

Burnley’s temperatures throughout the weekend currently match those of Accrington’s, but updated forecasts can be found on the Met Office website.

There is currently no snow forecast in any East Lancs areas, but the Met Office have warned that showers could turn wintry later in the week.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, said: “Showers will turn more wintry as the week goes on with a risk of snow at times.

“There will be widespread frosts with temperatures falling to as low as -10°C overnight in isolated spots by the end of the week.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert covering England from Wednesday evening through to Monday, December 12.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.

“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.

"In rooms you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18°C if you can.

"Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.”

Gritters have already been out in East Lancashire on priority routes, which include roads across Burnley, Pendle, Ribble Valley, Rossendale and Hyndburn.

Drivers are urged to be cautious when out on the roads and make sure they are prepared for the wintry weather.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “With temperatures plummeting this week, many drivers might be taken aback by the cold after an exceptionally mild autumn.

“Our advice is to be winter ready – check tyres are properly inflated and with good tread, while topping up oil, coolant and screen wash levels if needed.

"Drivers with older batteries in their cars might also wish to give their vehicle a 20-minute drive before colder conditions arrive to ensure the battery can cope with sub-zero temperatures.

“It’s also worth having a fully-charged mobile phone and carrying a blanket in case of a breakdown to keep warm.”