Key Takeaways
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber health alerts for the North East and North West of England due to cold weather
- Temperatures in these regions are expected to fall to around -4C, with snow predicted in the North West on 3 and 4 January
- The low temperatures are likely to affect health and care services, particularly among elderly and vulnerable people
- The UKHSA has also issued less serious yellow cold health alerts for the rest of England, covering several regions
- It is vital to check in on friends, family, and neighbors who are vulnerable to the cold weather, as it can have a serious impact on their health
Introduction to the Cold Weather Alerts
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued two amber health alerts for parts of the country as cold weather is set to ring in the new year. These alerts warn of a rise in deaths, particularly among elderly and vulnerable people, and cover the North East and North West of England from 20:00 GMT on Sunday to 12:00 on 5 January. The UKHSA has taken this step to ensure that people in these regions take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the harsh weather conditions.
Temperature Predictions and Weather Conditions
Temperatures in the affected regions are expected to fall to around -4C, with snow predicted in the North West on 3 and 4 January. Overnight into Monday, temperatures are expected to fall to as low as -1C in Penrith, with northern areas of Scotland set for temperatures of -6C. The Met Office has also predicted that most of England will be cloudy overnight, and there will be patches of frost and fog, which could mean "tricky travelling conditions" on Monday morning. Brisk northwesterly winds could bring wintry showers to the areas of northern England and drizzle in the lead up to New Year’s Day.
Impact on Health and Care Services
The low temperatures are likely to affect health and care services, particularly among elderly and vulnerable people. The UKHSA has warned that temperatures inside hospitals and care homes may drop below the levels recommended for assessing health risks, and challenges for people keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C may arise. Staffing issues, due to travel delays, may also arise from the cold spell. The agency has emphasized the need for people to take extra precautions to stay warm and safe during this period.
Expected Weather Conditions in the Coming Days
Between 2 and 11 January, cold northerly winds in Scotland are expected to become dominant across the UK, bringing snow showers mainly to coastal areas that will work south, the Met Office said. Inland locations across central and southern areas will remain mostly dry but cold. On Friday, temperatures in the North East and North West will feel colder due to the wind chill – a temperature of -4C could feel more like -8C, the Met Office said. The UKHSA has urged people to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the harsh weather conditions.
Yellow Cold Health Alerts for the Rest of England
The UKHSA has also issued less serious yellow cold health alerts for the rest of England, covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. Temperatures in areas covered by the yellow warning are expected to fall to around highs of 6C and lows below freezing from New Year’s Day. The agency has warned that the predicted temperatures can have a "serious impact" on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Importance of Checking in on Vulnerable People
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said it was "vital" to check in on friends, family, and neighbors who are vulnerable to the cold weather. The predicted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, and it is essential to take extra precautions to stay warm and safe during this period. The UKHSA has emphasized the need for people to look out for each other, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the cold weather, and to take necessary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.
