Exact temperature to run your heating during snowstorms

Winter has arrived early in the UK after a on the so far.

Temperatures dropped to minus 7.8C in Tulloch Bridge in Scotland on Monday evening, marking the lowest temperature the UK has seen since last winter.

More chilly temperatures, for this week with yellow severe weather warnings currently in place until Wednesday, affecting parts of Scotland, northern England, north Wales, the north Midlands and the whole of Northern Ireland.

The has warned that the weather will be cold and unsettled throughout this week and up to 20cm of snow could fall in some parts of the country.

The national forecaster said: "Daytime temperatures will be in the low single figures for most, potentially slightly less cold in the far south, though sub-zero wind chill is likely. Despite the cold temperatures, there will be a good deal of sunshine away from the wintry showers near the coasts.

"Further snow accumulations are expected across the week, mostly by night at low levels, in northern Scotland and exposed parts elsewhere. There remains a small possibility of a more organised band of rain or snow affecting the far south west through Thursday as a larger system runs into the continent, though most models suggest this keeping to the English Channel."

With a distinctly chilly week on the cards, many households will be cranking up the heating to try and stave off those icy wintry temperatures - and it's important to ensure your house is kept at a warm temperature to stay healthy during the cold snap.

According to the NHS, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Age UK, your home should be heated to a minimum of 18C to protect against the cold. This is particularly the case if you are not very mobile, are aged 65 or over, or you have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease.

Keeping warm over the colder months can help to fend off nasty winter weather illnesses like colds and flu, as well as more serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

The NHS says your home should be kept at a comfortable temperature - which ideally is at least 18C in the rooms you use most regularly, such as your lounge or bedroom.

The health service adds that families with babies should heat rooms between 16C and 20C while they sleep to help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Of course, there are other simple things you can do in your home to help lock in the heat while the weather is cold. The NHS suggests drawing your curtains at dusk and keeping doors closed to block out draughts - fitting draught excluders is a relatively cheap and easy way to do this.

Make sure to keep your bedroom windows closed at night and wear several layers of thinner clothing, as this will keep you warmer than one thick layer, and have plenty of hot drinks to keep your body temperature up throughout the day.