Urgent cold health warning update as 'plunge of cold Arctic air' hits UK
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an update to its cold health warning as a plunge of Arctic air hits the UK.
The cold-health alerts (CHAs) issued by UKHSA and the Met Office have been extended until midday on Friday, January 18. All regions of England have currently been placed under a yellow alert. Previously, five regions were under an amber alert and four under a yellow alert until midday on Friday, January 12.
Under a yellow alert, the UKHSA says there is increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.
Snow could create disruption in some parts of the country, forecasters said (WX Charts)Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "The temperatures we will see leading into the weekend can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. It therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week."
It comes as the Met Office warned of "disruptive snow" with an arctic airmass set to bring cold air to the UK next week. Deputy chief meteorologist David Hayter said a northerly airflow will bring arctic air to the UK from Sunday, with snow showers focused around Northern Ireland and northern areas of Scotland.
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"While the initial snow risk from Sunday onwards is looking most likely to be coastal areas in the north of the UK, including North Sea and Irish Sea coasts, there's an ongoing likelihood of some disruptive snow through the middle to latter part of next week," Mr Hayter said. "What we're keeping an eye on for this disruptive snow is where exactly this milder air from the southwest bumps into the cold air that will be in place over the UK.
"It's where these airmasses meet that there's a likelihood of some substantial snow for some places. At the moment, models are showing us a variety of options for exactly when and how this situation plays out and it's something we'll be able to add more details to in the coming days."
A Met Office spokesperson said: "Cool and largely dry conditions will persist for much of the UK over the coming days, with below-freezing conditions overnight, and daytime temperatures often not getting above 5C for many. From Sunday and into the start of next week, a plunge of cold Arctic air will move in from the north, dropping temperatures further and increasing the risk of wintry showers, especially for those in coastal areas in the north.
"As we move through next week, cold conditions are likely to persist, with an increasing chance of significant snow and ice for some, though details are still being determined." Meanwhile, RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams advised drivers to pack warm clothes in the boot, and bring a power bank to keep their phones charged.
"With an increasing risk of snow and ice at the start of next week we urge drivers to make sure they travel fully prepared," he said. "Having a few essential items in the boot no matter what distance you're going can make a massive difference in a breakdown situation in freezing conditions.
"A warm, waterproof coat, sturdy footwear and gloves, along with a blanket and a power bank to keep your phone charged are vital. While no one sets out to break down or get stuck in very cold, potentially snowy conditions, there are far too many instances where drivers have underestimated the severity of the conditions and found themselves in danger. It's far better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best."
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