The UK Health Security Agency issued a yellow cold health alert across most of England, as temperatures are expected to have ‘minor impacts’ on health and social services
Several parts of the UK are facing a yellow cold health alert as temperatures plunge to -3C, putting the most vulnerable people at risk.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an alert covering most of England this weekend and at the beginning of next week. The alert is in force from 6pm on Friday, January 17 until 9am on Tuesday, January 21.
All regions in England, except for the South West, are covered by the alert. UKHSA said: “Forecast weather is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and greater risk to life of vulnerable people.”
But across Yorkshire and The Humber, the warning is more stark as the region is warned of the risk of “significant impacts” across health and social care services. This can include a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, as well as impacts on the workforce affecting delivery of services.
The UKHSA also warned there is a likely increase in demand for health services and that cold weather could make it increasingly difficult to keep indoor conditions at the recommended 18C, increasing the risk for vulnerable people. While the South West is not covered by the alert, UKHSA said it is possible that the region could face minor impacts across health and social services, but this is not expected.
The warning comes as the Met Office revealed weather conditions are facing “significant change” this weekend, with lows of -3C. Areas including Northumberland and County Durham are set to face freezing conditions this evening.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: “Many places in England and Wales will drop close to freezing, with some areas going below.” Weather maps currently maps show stronger winds coming in off the Atlantic from around Wednesday, sparking the start of an unsettled period lasting days.
Experts at the Met Office said this change in the mercury is down to a mix of Arctic cold air, and tropical warm air as a major cold period strikes North America. Combined, as it tracks eastwards, it strengthens the jet stream, creating more unsettled stormy weather for Brits.
And weather modelling maps from WXCharts have pinpointed the date we can expect wintry conditions to return. The maps show a beastly storm coming in from the Atlantic on January 27, hitting every part of the UK from the far north of Scotland down to the south coast of England. Most places will see rain, with the data indicating 5mm per hour downpours in less elevated regions.
However, for some Brits intense snow appears to be on the cards. At around midday on January 27, the maps show snow falling at a staggering rate of around 10cm per hour across both northern and southern Scotland as well as in the Pennines. Edinburgh and Inverness both appear to be in line for a significant dusting.
As that weather front sweeps eastward and away from the UK, another is expected to hit western regions the following day. Weather maps for January 28 show snow falling at a rate of around 10cm per hour across Wales and 3cm per hour in Scotland.
In its long-range forecast from January 22 to January 31, the Met Office says: “A transition to a rather more changeable and at times unsettled weather pattern is likely to occur during the first few days of this period. Outbreaks of rain and freshening winds will probably make inroads from the southwest during Thursday ahead of conditions more widely becoming wetter and windier by next weekend.”
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
Rather cloudy, though some bright or sunny spells, mainly over and to the north of high ground. Some patchy rain and drizzle in places, and perhaps snow grains in the south. Mild in the north, chilly in the south.
Tonight:
Another cloudy night, though clear spells developing in the north and west. Patchy rain and drizzle, and a risk of snow grains, in the south. Turning chilly under clear skies.
Sunday:
A cloudy day, with outbreaks of rain in the far west slowly easing. A continued risk of drizzle and snow grain in the south where cloud is thick enough. Chilly.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
A cloudy outlook through the start of the new working week, with showery rain spreading erratically eastwards. Temperatures generally around average in the north, but chilly further south.
