UK Health Agency issues first yellow cold alert as temperatures dip below zero
The UK Health Security Agency has placed a yellow cold health alert on the North West and West Midlands, warning of sub-zero temperatures and urging vulnerable people to stay warm.
A yellow cold health alert covering the North West and West Midlands will be in effect from 9 a.m. on Thursday until noon on Saturday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. The alert is the first of the winter season and does not currently apply to other English regions.
The Met Office forecasts that temperatures will fall below average on Thursday and Friday, with frost and cold winds expected. In Kendal, temperatures could drop below 0 °C as early as 5 a.m. on Thursday, while Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Hereford and Yeovil are projected to reach –1 °C by 6 a.m. on Friday.
UKHSA public-health consultant Dr Anya Gopfert warned that cold weather can seriously affect older adults and people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions. > “Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable.”
She added that simple measures such as keeping homes heated and dressing warmly can help protect health during the chill. The Met Office also noted that snow showers are possible in northern Scotland overnight Wednesday into Thursday, and that colder air will move southward across the UK through Thursday and Friday before easing over the weekend.