Complete list of English regions under UKHSA cold weather alerts

Cold Weather Health Alerts in England

Cold weather health alerts have been implemented across large parts of England as health authorities warn that the drop in temperatures is likely to significantly affect health services. The Met Office has predicted colder conditions to persist, with frost forming by dawn on Monday (December 29). Later in the week, brisk northwesterly winds are expected to bring wintry showers to the north.

The Met Office has also forecast a cold start to the new year, with northern regions of the country facing particularly chilly conditions from New Year's Day onwards. A long-term weather forecast from Thursday (January 1) to January 10 suggests the potential for wintry hazards and snowfall.

Impact on Health Services

With the country bracing for a cold spell, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued several cold weather health warnings across England. These alerts come as the agency warns that the cold will likely have a significant impact on health and social care services.

Amber alerts have been issued for the north east and north west of the country, while the rest of England is under a yellow alert. These alerts are in effect from 8pm on Sunday (December 28) and will remain active until 12pm on Monday, January 5.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of checking on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours during the cold weather. He warned that the forecasted temperatures could have serious health impacts, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, especially for those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.

Likely Impacts of the Cold Weather

The UKHSA has outlined several potential effects in areas covered by amber alerts:

• A rise in deaths, particularly among individuals aged 65 and over or those with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups
• A likely increase in demand for health services
• Temperatures inside hospitals, care homes, and clinics dropping below recommended levels for assessing health risks
• Challenges in maintaining indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°C, leading to greater risks for vulnerable people
• Staffing issues due to external factors such as travel delays
• Other sectors, including transport and energy, starting to experience impacts

Areas Covered by Cold Weather Alerts

Amber cold-health alerts have been issued for the following two areas in England:

• North East
• North West

Yellow cold-health alerts have been issued for the following seven areas in England:

• Yorkshire and The Humber
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• East of England
• London
• South East
• South West