THE mercury plunged to -8C today as Oxfordshire experienced the coldest temperatures of England’s winter so far.

The weather station at RAF Benson recorded the low at 7.30am, hours after the Met Office issued an amber alert for cold weather.

The warning stated that the cold snap, which is expected to continue until 3pm, could increase the health risks to the very old, very young or those with chronic diseases.

Oxfordshire County Council’s gritters are back on the roads tonight and the fire and rescue service’s emergency response manager Mike Adcock warned people to stay vigilant.

He said: “During a cold spell, it’s important everyone looks out for friends, family and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.

“Wrap up against the cold by wearing suitable clothing. It’s better to wear several thin layers like several t-shirts or light cardigans, rather than one thick coat or jumper, as the layers will trap warm air close to the body.

“Before setting off on a car journey in icy conditions, make sure all windows and mirrors are completely clear and manoeuvre gently."

Today was the latest of a series of occasions that RAF Benson has had the lowest temperature in England.

The air force base sits in a frost hollow – a geographical feature where cold air is trapped.

Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said: “We would warn people to be aware really and just be considerate of the fact that there could be some icy patches which are on untreated surfaces like pavements, cycle path and minor roads.”

Oxford City Council staff were also working along with the county council to salt main roads.

City council spokesman Tony Ecclestone said: “We have three gritting lorries and a brine-spraying van.

“We also have a gang out filling grit bins.”

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was not able to say whether there had been a spike in admissions due to the cold.

But the trust urged people to visit ouh.nhs.uk and check its guide on whether or not their symptoms were an emergency or not, at a time when emergency departments are often at their busiest.

A milder spell is just around the corner, with temperatures set to rise as high as 10C in Oxford on Monday.