A severe and potentially deadly Arctic freeze has triggered a rare amber cold-health alert for the entirety of England, with authorities warning that the plummeting temperatures are likely to result in excess deaths.
Nationwide Alert as Temperatures Plummet
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated the high-level alert, which will remain in force from 8pm on New Year's Eve until the morning of Friday, 6 January. This signifies that the weather is expected to have significant impacts on public health and social care services.
Dr Paul Coleman, a health protection consultant at the UKHSA, stated that it will be "very cold" across England in the coming days. He emphasised the serious risks, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, including increased chances of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.
The bitter cold snap has already seen temperatures drop to nearly -10°C, with -9.6°C recorded in the Scottish Highlands and -8.1°C in Shap, Cumbria. The UKHSA warns that the entire population may struggle to keep homes heated to the recommended 18°C, and that indoor temperatures in vital facilities like hospitals and care homes could also fall dangerously low.
Widespread Travel Disruption and Snow Forecast
Concurrently, the Met Office has issued a series of yellow warnings for snow and ice covering large parts of the UK over the New Year period, extending to all four nations.
Key Met Office warnings include:
- A snow and ice alert for much of England and Wales from midnight until noon on Friday, 3 January.
- Separate warnings for Northern Ireland (midnight to 10am Friday) and northern Scotland (from 6am on New Year's Day).
- Further warnings for northern Scotland are active from Saturday through Sunday.
Forecasters predict snow accumulations of 2-5cm widely, with up to 10cm in local areas and 10-20cm on ground above 200 metres. The highest routes could see 30cm or more of snow. The public is advised to prepare for travel delays on roads, buses, and trains, as well as a heightened risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
New Year Celebrations in the Deep Freeze
Revelers heading out for New Year's Eve festivities have been urged to wrap up warm. In London, where crowds will gather for the fireworks display, temperatures are expected to be around 1-2°C at midnight. Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations will face wind gusts of 25-30mph and possible hail showers.
Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge advised that it will be "cold regardless of where you are," urging people to wear extra layers.
Lasting Impacts and Public Advice
Mark Sidaway, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, confirmed that this cold spell is expected to last through at least the first week of January. The combination of Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions nationwide, with widespread frosts.
The UKHSA's alert starkly outlines the potential consequences:
- A rise in deaths, primarily among the over-65s and those with health conditions, but with possible impacts on younger age groups too.
- Increased demand on already strained health services.
- Challenges for critical infrastructure and potential staffing issues across sectors due to travel problems.
Authorities are urging the public to check on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours during this prolonged period of extreme cold. The public is advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings from the Met Office and UKHSA.
