cold Weather alerts Issued as Temperatures plummet Across the UK
Amber cold health alerts are currently in effect for North-East England, North-West England, and Yorkshire and the Humber, as sub-zero temperatures are forecast this week. Issued by the UK Health security Agency, these alerts signal an increased risk to the health of vulnerable individuals, specifically those over 65 and people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. A less severe yellow warning covers the remainder of england for the same period, noon Monday to 8am Saturday.
The Met Office has also issued yellow warnings for snow and ice impacting parts of Scotland and Northern England from Monday through Thursday, with temperatures possibly dropping to -10C in some areas. Scattered showers in North-East Scotland and the far North could lead to icy conditions on roads and pavements.A rain system moving across western Scotland Tuesday morning carries a risk of turning to snow as it moves inland, potentially disrupting travel and infrastructure in higher elevations. A strong, cold northerly flow is expected by Wednesday, making temperatures feel even colder.
Forecasters predict 2-5cm of snow accumulation in low-lying areas, with 5-10cm possible, and up to 15-20cm in higher areas of north-East England and Scotland.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is urging older and vulnerable individuals to prepare for the cold. Ruth goss, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the BHF, emphasized the importance of staying warm and receiving a free flu vaccination, especially for those with heart conditions.The BHF recommends maintaining indoor temperatures at a minimum of 18C, wearing layers of warm clothing, staying active indoors, and, for individuals with angina, loosely wrapping a scarf around the mouth and nose to warm inhaled air. Consuming warm meals and hot beverages is also advised.
