The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow cold health alerts across the country and warned of the impact on health services. It follows a -7C cold snap
Britain is set to be hit by a blitz of cold health alerts. The warnings mean weather conditions could result in an increased use of healthcare services and a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
It comes after a cold snap sent temperatures plunging to -7C on Saturday, while rain, hail and thunderstorms were set to batter parts of Wales and southern England on Sunday (November 15).
Yellow cold health alerts are due to come into force on Sunday night in some parts of the UK, meaning the bone-chilling conditions are likely to have a “minor” impact on health and social care services.
The alerts were issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and The Humber, and will be in place until 9am on Thursday.
Paul Coleman, consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA, said: “This is the latest cold health alert of the season, and we can expect more as we move further into winter.
“Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable.”
Mr Coleman added that people should try to heat the rooms they use the most and dress warmly during colder spells.
Meanwhile, forecasters reckon the rain and winds will ease on Monday (November 16). But chilly air will again move in from the north bringing a return to the freezing frost and fog.
Temperatures on Monday will be around 5-8C across most of the UK with a stronger wind chill near eastern coasts, with the mercury rising to 12C in the south on Tuesday. Meanwhile, those in the north east of Scotland should brace themselves for further wintry showers.
Ethan Douglas, from the Met Office, said that the cold conditions could lead to an ice risk on the roads, causing “potentially hazardous travelling conditions”.
He added: “On Sunday night and Monday morning, there is the potential for some disruptive ice (given the preceding rain and cold night) and snow. The snow risk will be constrained to Scottish hills, bringing difficult driving conditions there.
“The ice risk may be present more widely across the north of the UK, causing extended journey times and potentially hazardous travelling conditions.”
The Met Office’s forecast for Monday says: “A cold start with showers in the north and east easing leaving sunny spells. Sunshine turning hazy into the afternoon with rain and stronger winds moving into the southwest later.”