The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued an amber Cold-Health Alert in three regions of England amid yellow snow and ice warnings.
The agencies have also issued a yellow Cold-Health Alert in a further two regions in England.
The regions included in the amber alert are:
- North East;
- North West;
- Yorkshire and the Humber.
The regions included in the yellow alert are the East Midlands and the West Midlands. The alerts are currently in place until midday on Tuesday, December 5.
Scotland is also under yellow snow and ice warnings from today (Wednesday, November 29) until Friday (December 1).
The Met Office has forecast average temperatures around or less than 2°C during the time of the alert in areas under amber alert, with wintry showers, icy conditions, and some snow.
An amber Cold-Health Alert means that cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time, with potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors may also start to observe impacts, indicating a coordinated response is required.
Head of Extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, Dr Agostinho Sousa, said: “With a risk of widespread overnight frosts and some snow across the country this week, it’s important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.
“Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly older people, and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat the rooms where you spend most of your time in, such as your living room or bedroom.”
