The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a significant cold weather warning on Boxing Day, prompting the cancellation of several festive events and raising concerns for public health. A yellow cold health alert is active for south-west England until noon on Friday, 27 December.
Health Risks and Official Warnings
According to the UKHSA, the continuing low temperatures are expected to have a noticeable impact. The agency warns of a "greater risk to life of vulnerable people" and an increased use of healthcare services by those most at risk. This official alert underscores the serious, albeit minor to moderate, strain the cold snap could place on social care and the NHS.
In light of the conditions and a recent incident, authorities have strongly advised against entering the water. This follows a Christmas Day emergency off the Devon coast, where two men, aged in their 40s and 60s, remain missing after getting into difficulty at Budleigh Salterton.
Event Cancellations and Safety Pleas
Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the cancellation of numerous official and unofficial swimming events. She issued a direct plea to the public: "While there are no official warnings in place for tomorrow, we urge anyone with plans to go swimming in the sea on Boxing Day not to."
Met Office Forecast for the Festive Period
Met Office meteorologist Zoe Hutin provided the forecast, noting frost overnight into Boxing Day. "Boxing Day we're going to see some good spells of sunshine," she said, adding that it would be largely dry but chilly with top temperatures of 6-7°C, feeling closer to 4-5°C in the south.
The outlook for the weekend remains similar, with breezy conditions and occasional drizzle. Hutin stated there is a "low chance of snow, it's not expected at all" for Boxing Day. She did offer some positive news for those off work: "It's good news for people who have got the week off and want to go on walks."
The combination of the official health alert, the tragic incident at sea, and the ongoing cold weather has cast a shadow over traditional Boxing Day activities, with public safety becoming the paramount concern for officials across the affected regions.
