A severe and potentially life-threatening cold snap has triggered a rare amber cold-health alert for the entirety of England, with authorities warning that the Arctic freeze sweeping in with the New Year is likely to cause excess deaths.
Nationwide Alert as Temperatures Plummet
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) activated the high-level alert from 8pm on New Year's Eve, and it is scheduled to remain in place until the morning of January 6. This signifies that the severe weather is predicted to have significant impacts on public health. The warning explicitly states that the conditions are likely to result in a rise in mortality, particularly among those aged 65 and over, but may also affect younger age groups.
Simultaneously, the Met Office has issued a series of yellow warnings for snow and ice covering large parts of the UK over the coming days. The bitter conditions, driven by Arctic air, have already seen temperatures tumble to nearly -10°C in some areas, with -9.6°C recorded in the Scottish Highlands and -8.1°C in Shap, Cumbria.
Widespread Disruption and Health Risks
Dr Paul Coleman, a health protection consultant at the UKHSA, urged the public to take the warnings seriously. "Low temperatures like these can have serious impacts on the health of some people, particularly older people and those with serious health conditions," he said. "Exposure to cold can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections."
The government advises that the cold spell presents several critical risks:
- People may struggle to heat their homes to the recommended minimum of 18 degrees Celsius.
- Vital facilities, including hospitals and care homes, could see indoor temperatures drop to unsafe levels.
- Increased demand is expected across health and social care services.
- Travel delays are likely due to snow and ice, potentially causing staffing issues across multiple sectors.
The Met Office warns that up to 5cm of snow could blanket some areas by Friday, with 10-20cm possible on higher ground in North Wales and northwest England. Icy surfaces are also expected to develop rapidly, raising the risk of injuries from slips and falls.
New Year Celebrations in the Deep Freeze
Revellers heading out for New Year's Eve festivities were advised to wrap up warm, with temperatures hovering just above freezing for many. In London, where crowds gathered for the fireworks display, the mercury was around 1-2°C at midnight. Forecasters noted that while conditions would be cold across the UK, visibility for fireworks displays was expected to be good for most.
Looking ahead, Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway confirmed the cold spell is set to dominate the first week of January. "It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of 'winter'... Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions to all parts of the UK," he stated.
The UKHSA and Met Office's joint advice is clear: the public should check forecasts regularly, plan for potential travel disruption, and, most importantly, look in on friends, family, and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the extreme cold.
