The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for northern England, warning of a potential rise in deaths among vulnerable and elderly people as temperatures drop severely overnight.
The alerts, covering north-east and north-west England, will be in place from 8pm on Sunday until midday on Monday 5 January. The agency cautioned that the cold weather could increase the use of healthcare services and lead to a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Vulnerable younger people and those sleeping rough may also be affected. Indoor temperatures in hospitals, care homes, and clinics are predicted to fall below the recommended 18C, posing additional risks. All other English regions are under a less serious yellow alert, indicating potential significant impacts on health services.
The UKHSA also warned of staffing issues due to travel delays and potential disruptions to transport and energy infrastructure. The Met Office forecast cloudy conditions with frost and fog, leading to tricky travel on Monday morning. Temperatures could drop to -1C in Penrith and around 0C in the Lake District, while northern Scotland may see -6C or -7C.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, urged people to check on friends, family, and neighbours. He noted that the forecasted temperatures could increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, especially for older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
