Key Takeaways
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold health alert for southwest England, which will last until noon on 27 December.
- Low temperatures are likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people.
- Two men are still missing after getting into difficulty off the coast of Devon on Christmas Day, prompting a warning for beachgoers not to swim.
- Temperatures will remain chilly, with top temperatures between 6-7C, and a low chance of snow.
- The weather is expected to be similar on Saturday and Sunday, with drizzle possible where the cloud is thicker.
Introduction to the Cold Weather Alert
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold health alert for southwest England, which will last until noon on 27 December. This alert comes as a result of the continued cold temperatures in the region, which are expected to have minor impacts on health and social care services. The UKHSA has warned that the low temperatures may lead to an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, as well as a greater risk to life for those who are most vulnerable.
Weather Forecast for the Upcoming Days
According to Met Office meteorologist Zoe Hutin, Boxing Day is expected to see some good spells of sunshine, with a little cloud cover in the South and North West. There may be some light rain, but for the vast majority of the region, it is expected to be dry. While it will still be breezy, it won’t be as windy as Christmas Day. Top temperatures will be between 6-7C, although it may feel closer to 4-5C in the south. There is a low chance of snow, but it is not expected at all.
Impact of the Weather on Health and Social Care Services
The UKHSA has warned that the low temperatures may have minor impacts on health and social care services. This includes an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, as well as a greater risk to life for those who are most vulnerable. The agency has urged people to take precautions to stay warm and safe, especially those who are most at risk from the cold weather. This includes older adults, young children, and people with certain medical conditions.
Incident Off the Coast of Devon
On Christmas Day, emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am following reports of people in the water. Two men remain missing at sea, and Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar, of Devon and Cornwall Police, has urged anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to. There have been weather warnings in place this week, and a number of official and unofficial swims have already been cancelled. While there are no official warnings in place for tomorrow, the police are advising people to exercise caution and avoid swimming in the sea.
Outlook for the Weekend
The weather is expected to be similar on Saturday and Sunday, with drizzle possible where the cloud is thicker. Temperatures will be around average, between 6-7C, and it will stay fairly breezy. Met Office meteorologist Zoe Hutin has said that it’s good news for people who have got the week off and want to go on walks. However, people are still being advised to take precautions and stay safe, especially those who are most at risk from the cold weather.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold health alert for southwest England, which will last until noon on 27 December. The low temperatures are expected to have minor impacts on health and social care services, and people are being advised to take precautions to stay warm and safe. The weather is expected to be similar on Saturday and Sunday, with drizzle possible where the cloud is thicker. People are being urged to exercise caution and avoid swimming in the sea, especially after the incident off the coast of Devon on Christmas Day.