The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the winter season for the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
A new amber alert has also been issued for the East of England from 10:00 on Monday, 18 November, and yellow alerts will be in place for the South East, South West, and London from 08:00 on Tuesday, 19 November.
Expected low temperatures are likely to result in increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and an increased risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions (including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases), and other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.
The amber alert will be in place from 10:00 on Monday, 18 November, with all alerts currently in place until Saturday, 23 November, at 18:00.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:
“This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather, particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”
UKHSA has published guidance for professionals protecting vulnerable people and for the public on staying safe during periods of cold weather.
Under the Weather Health Alert system developed by UKHSA and the Met Office, there are three Cold-Health Alert levels that may be issued:
- Yellow alerts may be issued during periods of cold that are unlikely to impact most people but could pose an increased risk to those who are particularly vulnerable (such as the elderly or those with significant health conditions). A yellow alert may also be issued if confidence in the weather forecast is low, but more significant impacts could occur if the worst-case scenario is realised.
- Amber alerts are issued in situations where the expected impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, where there is potential for the entire population to be at risk, and where other sectors beyond health may also start to observe impacts, indicating that a coordinated response is required.
- Red alerts indicate significant risk to life even for the healthy population. Impacts would be expected across all sectors, with a coordinated response essential.
The Met Office may issue National Severe Weather Warnings (for example, for snow and ice) at short notice, so you can take appropriate action. Check the Met Office website to see the National Severe Weather Warnings currently in place.
While the Cold-Health Alerts focus on the health impacts of adverse weather for vulnerable groups in England – helping health and social services prepare – the National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) provides broader warnings on severe weather risks across the UK.