The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts for parts of England as temperatures could plummet to minus 10C this week. The warnings signal "significant impacts" on health services and a likely rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over.
Amber alerts are in place for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber from midday Monday until 8am Saturday. Yellow alerts cover the rest of England for the same period. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings for snow and ice affecting Scotland and northern England from Monday to Thursday.
Arctic Blast Brings Coldest Conditions
Wednesday to Friday will be the coldest part of the week. Deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree said: «Overnight, temperatures could get down to minus 10C, with a significant wind chill from the strong northerly wind making things feel even colder.»
The cold snap follows Storm Claudia's retreat, with high pressure driving Arctic air across the UK. Saturday night saw temperatures drop to minus 7C in Tulloch Bridge in the Scottish Highlands - the coldest night since March.
Snow Warnings Across Multiple Regions
Wintry snow showers are expected to extend south through Wednesday and into Thursday. Snow accumulations of 2-5cm are possible in low-lying areas in the north and east where showers are frequent. On hills in parts of Northern Ireland, northeast England and Scotland, 5-10cm could fall.
Accumulations of 15-20cm are possible above 300 metres in parts of northeastern England and Scotland. Chief forecaster Paul Gundersen warned: «This period of snow could bring some disruption to travel and infrastructure across higher parts of Scotland.»
Health Services Face Pressure
The amber alert indicates health and social care services are likely to face significant impacts. These include increased demand for health services, temperatures inside hospitals and care homes dropping below recommended levels, and a rise in deaths.
The British Heart Foundation warned people with heart conditions about the dangers. Senior cardiac nurse Ruth Goss said: «Cold temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and people with cardiovascular disease are also more at risk of serious illness if they get seasonal respiratory infections like flu.»
Safety Advice for Cold Snap
The BHF recommends keeping indoor temperatures at least 18C, layering up with warm clothing, staying active indoors and eating warming meals. Those with angina should wear a scarf loosely around the mouth and nose to breathe in warmer air.
Conditions are expected to be drier from Friday, with temperatures feeling milder and rain reaching the west later in the day.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
