The United Kingdom is preparing for a severe bout of wintry weather, with health services bracing for an influx of patients as an amber cold health alert comes into force. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the warning for England, stating that freezing conditions are likely to impact health and wellbeing until Tuesday.
Widespread Weather Warnings and Travel Chaos
The Met Office has activated a series of snow and ice warnings across the nation. The most severe amber warnings for snow are concentrated in northern Scotland, covering the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Orkney, and Shetland Islands. These areas, including Aberdeen and Ullapool, are forecast to see heavy snow leading to significant travel disruption until 10am on Monday.
Forecasters predict that low-lying regions could see 5cm to 10cm of snow, while higher ground may be buried under 20cm to 30cm. The disruptive conditions have already forced hundreds of Scottish schools to close, with councils in Aberdeen delaying openings until 11am. Transport networks are severely affected, with ScotRail warning of disruption on routes around Aberdeen and Inverness, and a risk that rural communities could become cut off.
Health Services on High Alert
With the mercury plummeting, the UKHSA's alert highlights the serious risks to public health. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the agency, urged people to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives. He warned that the cold significantly increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, particularly for the over-65s and those with existing health conditions.
Hospitals across the country are reportedly preparing for what could be their busiest day of the year as a direct result of the cold snap. The amber health alert underscores the strain expected on the NHS during this period.
Further Disruption and Ongoing Warnings
Beyond Scotland, yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place for Northern Ireland, Wales, Greater Manchester, southwest England, and much of England's east coast. In Northern Ireland, accumulations of 1cm-3cm are expected widely, with up to 10cm on higher routes like the Glenshane Pass.
Matthew Lehnert, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, stated that while snow showers will continue in the north, milder air will attempt to spread from Tuesday, potentially bringing rain to the south or more organised snow along weather fronts. He also cautioned that strong winds could become a feature later in the week.
Authorities are urging extreme caution. Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop advised those who must travel to ensure their vehicle is winter-ready and to consider delaying journeys until the amber warnings expire. George Fiddes of Transport Scotland echoed this, advising motorists to plan ahead and drive to the conditions.
