Anyone over 55 issued 'winter meal rule' ahead of polar vortex snow

Résumé détaillé

The Met Office has warned that the polar vortex has "weakened and become dramatically stretched"

Those aged over 55 are being urged to follow a "winter meal rule" as a polar vortex threatens to bring a sharp drop in temperatures and the possibility of snow to the UK "within weeks". The polar vortex hovers between 10 and 50km above the Earth's surface, circulating a mass of bitterly cold air over the North Pole.

The Met Office has now warned that the polar vortex has "weakened and become dramatically stretched", putting the UK at risk of colder, drier conditions — potentially within just a few weeks — along with the prospect of sleet and snow showers. The national forecaster described the disturbance to the polar vortex as an "exceptional development for this early in the season", with early predictions suggesting it will become "increasingly displaced from the North Pole". What does this mean for the UK?

As with all weather forecasting, there remains a degree of uncertainty, but it could weaken the Atlantic jet stream and trigger areas of high pressure across the country.

This would result in drier spells, a greater risk of frost and fog, and a significantly higher chance of a cold snap, reports the Express.

With the prospect of freezing conditions looming, those aged over 55 are being encouraged to take steps to shield themselves from the elements, as plummeting temperatures can place increasing strain on the body as we age.

According to the Met Office, from around the age of 55 we lose around 1% of our muscle mass every year and while this may not sound like much, it does mean our bodies have to work much harder to stay warm.

As a result, taking simple precautions against the cold during the winter months is crucial for warding off common ailments, such as colds, flu, coughs and Covid, which tend to circulate widely at this time of year.

One straightforward way to achieve this is by following a 'winter meal rule' when temperatures plummet. The Met Office advises that consuming at least one hot meal per day and drinking regular hot beverages will help maintain your…

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