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 cover north-east and north-west England from 8pm on Sunday until midday on Monday 5 January. The agency cautioned that the cold spell could increase the use of healthcare services and lead to higher mortality, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Indoor temperatures in hospitals, care homes, and clinics may fall below the recommended 18C, posing additional risks. All other English regions are under a less serious yellow alert, indicating potential significant impact on health services.
The Met Office forecasts cloudy skies, frost, and fog overnight, with 'tricky travelling conditions' 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, noting that cold weather increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.
