The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold-health alert for the North West and West Midlands regions from 9am on Thursday, November 12, until 12pm on Saturday, November 14, with households warned to brace for freezing temperatures.
According to the Met Office forecast, a distinctly cold bout of weather will sweep the UK this week, bringing fog, frost and snow showers as temperatures plummet. The colder air is expected to become increasingly established on Wednesday, while Thursday looks set to be the coldest day of the week, with temperatures only reaching around 4C to 6C in some areas.
Why the cold snap is happening
The wintry conditions come after the Met Office warned this month that a polar vortex could bring colder weather and a chance of snow to the UK this winter due to a knock-on effect from the El Niño weather phenomenon. The forecaster said the polar vortex, which sits around 10 to 50km above the Earth's surface, and circulates a pool of very cold air over the North Pole, has "weakened and become dramatically stretched", which could bring colder, drier air to the UK and produce sleet or snow showers.
While the effect of the disruption to the polar vortex is still uncertain, a cold snap this week is the first taste of wintry weather and with more chilly conditions likely in the weeks ahead, people are being urged to protect against the cold - particularly if you're aged 65 or over.
Heating advice for vulnerable groups
Older people in this age group, as well as people with health conditions and those who aren't very mobile, are urged to keep their thermostat set to a minimum of 18C at all times, both during the day and at night, to help stay healthy and protect against the cold as the health alert kicks in from 9am on Thursday.
Keeping your home at a temperature of at least 18C can help to fend off nasty winter bugs, including colds, flu and Covid, as well as more serious health problems like pneumonia, heart attacks, strokes and depression.
Official guidance on staying warm
In its winter advice, the Met Office says: "The cold thickens blood and increases blood pressure, and breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections. So it's all the more important to ensure your home and the homes of people you look out for are the right temperature.
"Ideally, you should heat your home to a temperature of at least 18C. This is particularly important if you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease. Having room temperatures slightly over 18C could be good for your health.
"If you are under the age of 65, active and wearing appropriate clothing, you may wish to keep your home at a comfortable temperature even if it is slightly lower than 18C.
"Overnight, people who are 65 and over or who have pre-existing health conditions may find bedroom temperatures of at least 18C are good for their health; this may be less important if you are a healthy adult under 65 and have appropriate clothing and bedding. It is important to keep your bedroom window closed at night when the weather is cold."
If you don't want to heat your whole house, you can opt to just heat the rooms you use most often, like your living room or bedroom, and be sure to keep windows closed overnight to help retain warmth indoors. Drawing your curtains at dusk will also help to keep the heat generated inside your rooms. To ensure heat doesn't escape, use draught excluders to seal any gaps around windows and doors, and make sure any radiators in your home aren't blocked by furniture or curtains.
Health officials urge checking on vulnerable people
Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said: "This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season. 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.
"We're also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall. Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather."
Advice from the Met Office, NHS and UKHSA also recommends staying active during bouts of cold weather – even if you are stuck inside due to snow and ice – as this will help your body to keep warm, and stave off winter illnesses like colds, flu and more serious health problems.
You should aim to get up and walk around at least once every hour, make sure you eat at least one hot meal per day, and wear several layers of light clothes, rather than one thick layer, to help lock in warmth.
If you are going outside in cold weather, the NHS suggests wearing a scarf over your mouth like a face mask to help protect against the cold. Using a scarf like a face mask allows air to warm up before it is breathed in, helping to reduce the risk of asthma symptoms being triggered.
