A yellow cold health alert will come into force on Sunday evening (November 15) in parts of the UK, signalling that frosty conditions are expected to persist and could have a "minor" impact on health and social care services.
The alerts were issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber, and will be in place from 9pm on Sunday (November 15) until 9am on Thursday (November 19).
Health risks and advice
These alerts mean weather conditions could result in an increased use of healthcare services and a greater risk to life for vulnerable people, the agency said. Paul Coleman, consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA, said: "This is the latest cold health alert of the season, and we can expect more as we move further into winter."
"Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable." Mr Coleman added that people should try to heat the rooms they use the most, if possible, and dress warmly during colder spells.
Forecast and potential snow
Forecasters previously said that swathes of the country are in line for wintry conditions as temperatures remain icy, having already plunged to -6.4C in Cumbria and Brecon. After a bitterly cold Saturday, Sunday is expected to bring a brief respite with rain from the Atlantic before freezing Arctic air surges back across the UK.
The dramatic change could spark widespread snowfall when a band of wet weather moving north collides with the colder air. Forecast maps show snow stretching across northern Wales and England from midnight on Monday, before pushing north and east through the early hours of Tuesday.
Travel risks and regional outlook
Ethan Douglas, operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said the cold conditions could lead to an ice risk on the roads, causing "potentially hazardous travelling conditions". He told the Press Association: "On Sunday night and Monday morning, there is the potential for some disruptive ice (given the preceding rain and cold night) and snow. The snow risk will be constrained to Scottish hills, bringing difficult driving conditions there. The ice risk may be present more widely across the north of the UK, causing extended journey times and potentially hazardous travelling conditions."
During the day, passing showers are forecast to sweep through Wales and southern England, with some possibly thundery in the far southwest, the Met Office said. Rain will be more persistent for northern England and southern Scotland, with strong winds arriving for north-east coasts in the second part of the day. Those in northern Scotland and Northern Ireland should experience a brighter and colder day, with showers for some which could be wintry, bringing snow to the hills. Cold conditions will continue on Monday with long sunny intervals for most, though approaching cloud will dim the sunshine later, the Met Office said. Meanwhile, those in the north east of Scotland should brace themselves for further wintry showers.
