The UK Health Security Agency has escalated warnings for millions of people across England, placing two regions under an amber cold health alert as a prolonged cold spell takes hold.
Regions Under Highest Alert
Officials have activated the second-highest level of warning for the North East and North West of England. These amber alerts came into force recently and are scheduled to remain active until 12pm on Friday, January 5.
All other regions in England are currently under a less severe yellow cold health alert for the same period. The UKHSA has emphasised that the forecasted low temperatures pose a significant threat to public health, particularly for older adults and those with existing medical conditions.
Serious Impact on Health and Services
The agency warns that the cold is likely to have a direct impact on the nation's health services. Increased demand for healthcare is anticipated as conditions exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
There is also concern that temperatures inside crucial settings like hospitals, care homes, and clinics could fall below the recommended 18°C threshold for clinical risk assessment. This could complicate patient care and recovery.
Beyond the NHS, the cold snap is expected to cause challenges for key workers, including those in delivery services, and may disrupt daily operations.
Public Urged to Check on Vulnerable
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UKHSA, has made a direct appeal to the public. He stressed the importance of community support during this period.
"The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing conditions," Dr Sousa stated. He urged people to check in on friends, family, and neighbours who may be at risk.
Weather Forecast: Cold and Frosty
The health warnings align with the latest Met Office predictions. The forecast for the coming days indicates cold nights with widespread frost, especially in northern areas.
Temperatures are expected to linger just above or below freezing until the alert expires on January 5. While many central and southern areas will stay dry, the Met Office notes the potential for bands of rain, sleet, and snow to move south, which could bring more prolonged wintry conditions.
A slight moderation in temperatures is predicted from the west towards the second half of the first full week of January, but the overall pattern remains cold with an elevated risk of frost and fog.
