The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the exact time its first cold-health alert of the winter will come into force across Greater Manchester. The yellow alert, issued in collaboration with the Met Office, takes effect at 9am on Thursday, November 12, and remains in place until 12pm on Saturday, November 14.
The alert covers Greater Manchester and the rest of north west England, as well as the whole of the West Midlands. It has been issued after temperatures are forecast to plunge as low as -1C in north west England. Other regions of England are currently unaffected.
Why the alert has been issued
Cold-health alerts are issued when wintry conditions are likely to bring a "risk to life", particularly for those who are vulnerable or elderly. According to the UKHSA, the weather forecast across north west England and the West Midlands is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life for 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."
Guidance for staying safe
Dr Gopfert added: "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."
UKHSA has published guidance for professionals protecting vulnerable people and for the public on staying safe during periods of cold weather, including keeping homes warm where possible and keeping an eye on those who are vulnerable. The warning comes into force at 9am on Thursday, November 12, and will remain in place until 12pm on Saturday, November 14.
