An amber cold-health alert has been rolled out across all regions of England as forecasters warn of a sustained spell of very cold weather.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the escalation on Wednesday, extending the alert beyond the North West and North East, which had previously been the only regions at amber level. All other areas had been under a yellow alert.
The amber alert will be in force from 8pm on Wednesday 31 December until 10am on Tuesday 6 January.
Under the Weather Health Alerting system, run jointly by the UKHSA and the Met Office, an amber alert signals that cold weather is likely to have significant impacts on health and social care services. It also indicates an increased risk to the wider population, requiring a coordinated response across sectors.
Forecast low temperatures are expected to drive higher demand for health services, particularly among vulnerable groups. People aged 65 and over, those with serious underlying health conditions — especially respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses — and people sleeping rough are considered to be at heightened risk.
The UKHSA has issued guidance for professionals working with vulnerable people, as well as advice for the public on staying safe during cold weather.
Dr Paul Coleman, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “The weather is forecast to be very cold across England over the coming few days. Low temperatures like these can have serious impacts on the health of some people, particularly older people and those with serious health conditions. Exposure to cold can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
It is therefore really important, as the colder weather sets in, to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable”.
The Met Office may also issue National Severe Weather Warnings, including for snow and ice, at short notice. The public is advised to check the Met Office website for the latest warnings and updates.
While Cold-Health Alerts are designed to help health and social care services in England prepare for the health impacts of adverse weather, the National Severe Weather Warning Service provides broader warnings about severe weather risks across the UK. Further information on the differences between the two systems is available on the UKHSA blog.