Amber cold health alerts have been issued for northern England as the UK prepares for a period of sub-zero overnight temperatures this week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) placed the warnings on north-east England, north-west England, and Yorkshire and the Humber, citing an increased risk to health for individuals aged over 65 and those with pre-existing conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The alerts are in force from noon on Monday until 8am on Saturday, with the rest of England placed under a less serious yellow warning for the same period. The Met Office has also issued multiple yellow weather alerts for snow and ice affecting parts of Scotland and northern England from Monday to Thursday, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -10C in some places.
Chief forecaster Paul Gundersen warned that scattered showers in the north-east and far north of Scotland could create icy conditions on roads and pavements. He said an area of rain reaching the west of Scotland early on Tuesday could turn to snow as it moves inland, potentially disrupting travel and infrastructure across higher parts of Scotland. By Wednesday, a "strong and very cold northerly flow" would make temperatures feel even colder, he added.
Deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree said 2-5cm of snow could accumulate in low-lying areas, with 5-10cm possible and up to 15-20cm on higher ground in parts of north-east England and Scotland.
Ruth Goss, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, urged older and vulnerable people to take extra precautions. She stressed the importance of those with heart conditions wrapping up warm and having their free flu jab. The BHF advises at-risk groups, including people over 65, to keep indoor temperatures at least 18C, wear warm clothing, stay active indoors, and wrap a scarf loosely around the mouth and nose to breathe warmer air if they have angina.
