The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber cold health alerts for North East and North West England as freezing temperatures sweep across the country, warning of a likely "rise in deaths" among elderly and vulnerable people. The alerts, which took effect on New Year's Day, remain in place until midday on January 5.
Temperatures in the amber alert regions are forecast to plummet to 3-5C during the day, with overnight lows reaching around -3C. Yellow cold health alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London, where temperatures are expected to drop to 4-6C.
Snow warnings for Scotland
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice across parts of Scotland, effective from 6am on New Year's Day until midnight on January 2. Forecasters predict 2-5cm of snowfall by Friday morning in lower areas, with 10-20cm above 200m elevation and up to 30cm or more on the highest routes and hills.
Dan Stroud, a Met Office forecaster, said: «We're losing this sort of settled but chilly conditions, and bringing in something a little bit more showery with more wintry hazards in the forecast, particularly for the north of the country.»
Serious health risks predicted
The UKHSA warns the freezing conditions are likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services. The agency predicts a rise in deaths among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, as well as "impacts on younger people" and an "increase in demand for health services."
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: «As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.»
The agency warns that temperatures inside hospitals and care homes could drop below recommended health risk assessment levels, creating challenges in maintaining the recommended indoor temperature of 18C.
Dementia patients face particular challenges
The Alzheimer's Society has highlighted that nearly one million people with dementia in the UK face particular difficulties during the cold snap, as they may struggle to recognize or communicate feeling cold.
Angelo Makri, senior knowledge officer for wellbeing at the Alzheimer's Society, emphasized the importance of checking on vulnerable individuals. The charity advises ensuring people with dementia are dressed appropriately in layers, kept in warm rooms at around 20C, and maintain regular eating, drinking, and movement routines.
Cold Weather Payments available
Eligible households can receive £25 Cold Weather Payments for each seven-day period when temperatures are recorded or forecast at 0C or below. The payments, available between November 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, are automatically deposited within 14 days to those receiving certain benefits including Pension Credit, Income Support, Universal Credit, and others.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
