A rare amber health alert for cold weather is now in place across a large part of England as temperatures plummet and parts of the country brace for snowfall.
It is the first alert of its kind issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) this season. The health agency has upgraded several regions in England from yellow to amber, which means the cold weather could have a “significant impact” on the health service.
Areas covered by the amber alert, which is is force now until 6pm on Saturday, include the North East, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England. A yellow alert will come into force at 8am on Tuesday covering London, the South East and South West.
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The UKHSA warned that the cold conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly. Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, especially if they are already trying to manage existing illnesses.
“The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.”
According to the amber alert, the cold weather is “likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services”. The UKHSA says that may include a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and an increase in demand for health services.
Scotland has already seen some snowfall and further showers are expected in the north of England and parts of the Midlands on Monday night. Snow dusted grounds at the Glenshee Ski Centre near Braemar and at Corgarff, both in Aberdeenshire, as well as alongside the A939 near The Lecht in the Cairngorms.
Temperatures dropped to minus 7.8C in Tulloch Bridge, Scotland, in the early hours of Monday, which is the lowest temperature the UK has seen since last winter. Cold temperatures, ice and further snow feature on the forecast for the coming days in what the Met Office deemed is the country’s “first taste of winter”.
It is predicted temperatures could drop to minus 2C in London on Friday, minus 4C in Birmingham and minus 7C further north.
The Met Office issued several yellow weather warnings for snow and ice for parts of the UK and will likely issue further alerts.
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