A cold health alert has been issued for Lancashire and snow has also been forecast to hit parts of the county.

According to BBC Weather, snow showers are forecast in Blackburn next Wednesday (January 17).

In Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Ribble Valley, snow is forecast next Tuesday and Wednesday.

In Rossendale, snow is forecast on Thursday, January 18.

Temperatures are also set to remain low, with a cold weather alert in force until Friday, January 12. The alert covers the whole of the north west.

The Met Office forecast is more uncertain and snow is not currently predicted in Lancashire.

According to the Met Office, what’s uncertain is the intensity, location or impacts of any snow next week, with details still to be worked out in the coming days, though winter weather hazards remain largely in focus, and an increasing risk moving through the week.

Met Office head of situational awareness Will Lang said: “There will be a resurgence in the really cold weather through the weekend and that spreads across the whole of the UK during the early part of next week. Initially, this means there will be more in the way of showers around the coasts, turning increasingly to snow for many areas, especially further north.”

A Met Office spokesperson said: “We start with a northerly airflow and snow showers, especially near the coasts in the north. But there will also be brighter skies for some. Then, from the middle of next week, low-pressure tries to move in from the southwest, and the impact of this is still a bit uncertain at this range”

Blackburn’s weather forecast, according to BBC Weather

  • Thursday, January 11: Light cloud and gentle breeze. Highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C.
  • Friday, January 12: Sunny intervals and light winds. Highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C.
  • Saturday, January 13: Light cloud and Light winds. Highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C.
  • Sunday, January 14: Light rain and light winds. Highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C.
  • Monday, January 15: Sunny and light winds. Highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C.
  • Tuesday, January 16: Sleet showers and gentle breeze. Highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C.
  • Wednesday, January 17: Light snow and a gentle breeze. Highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C.