A NEW cold weather yellow alert for Buckinghamshire has been issued meaning a heightened risk of icy conditions.

From 12 noon today (Thursday) through to Friday, January 12, the national Met Office and the UK Heath Security Agency is predicting cold and frosty conditions, meaning driving conditions on the county's road may prove hazardous, particularly in rural areas.

The current cold weather health alert tells us to expect sustained colder temperatures, which can adversely affect older people, and those with underlying health conditions.

Bucks Council said: "In this cold weather, don’t forget to look out for anyone close to you who might struggle with the drop in temperature."

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the United Kingdom into next week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.

"Cold weather can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, so it can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.

"Temperatures are expected to turn particularly cold overnight, as we would expect at this time of year.

"If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65 it is important to try and heat the rooms where you spend most of your time, such as your living room or bedroom, in the coming days."