Cold-Health alerts have been extended into next week

As of 11 January, the CHAs issued by UKHSA and the Met Office have been extended until midday on Friday 18 January.

All regions of England have currently been placed under a yellow alert. Previously, 5 regions were under an amber alert and 4 under a yellow alert until midday on Friday 12 January.

Under a yellow alert, we see the 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.

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.

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 5°C 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.