The weather in Suffolk is set to take a turn this week, with lows of -4C forecasted in the coming days.

As Christmas approaches, a cold weather alert has been issued by the Met Office as freezing weather is expected.

The UK Health Security Agency also issued a reminder to people to keep their homes heated to at least 18C - particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 or older, or have a health condition.

Suffolk Community Foundation, which is running The Cost-of-Living Surviving Winter Appeal, urged people to stay warm and signposted services that can help.

More than £100,000 was raised for the appeal in just over four weeks.

Ipswich Star:

Melanie Craig, chief executive, said: “We know that there are so many people struggling to stay warm this winter. 

"There is help. There is kindness in the county and people that care. Equally, if you have received your government fuel payment and don’t need it, please consider donating it to us so we can support others in the county."

If you are worried about turning on your heating, please contact Citizens Advice Ipswich (wherever you live in Suffolk) on 01473 298634 or visit their website or go into one of their local branches.

Suffolk Community Foundation has given Citizens Advice funds that we collect from the public, as we do every year to distribute to people. 

Ipswich Star: Executive vice chair and former chief executive Stephen Singleton, new chief executive Melanie Craig and Chairman George Vestey.

What temperatures can Suffolk residents expect for the rest of the week?

Tuesday

According to Weatherquest, through Monday night and into the early hours of Tuesday morning, those in the west of the county can expect 0C temperatures.

In the east it will be only slightly warmer as the day begins, with the day starting at about 1C to 2C.

During the day, the weather will remain mostly dry with highs of 5C.

Into Tuesday night, there may be showers in the east, but it is not likely to drop beneath 2C.

Wednesday

It looks set to be 0C as Wednesday morning begins across Suffolk.

Dan Holley attributed this to a "biting northern wind".

Throughout the day, there could be one or two showers with highs of 3C or 4C.

Thursday

On Thursday morning, wintery showers look set to cover the county, with temperatures of -2C and -3C expected.

As the day continues, temperatures should creep over 0C and peak at 2C or 3C.

A "fair amount" of sunshine is also expected during the day.

Friday

Into the early hours of Friday morning, temperatures may drop again to about -3C or -4C.

The warmest it looks likely to get is about 1C/2C, leaving Suffolk cold and dry as the weekend approaches.

Saturday and Sunday

As Suffolk reaches the weekend, it will once again remain below freezing in the early hours of the morning.

-3C and -4C are the expected temperatures overnight and into each morning, with a frost setting in across the county.

During the days, highs of 1C/2C are expected, with some freezing fog in parts.