Amber cold health alerts have been issued across parts of northern England, with health officials warning that falling temperatures could lead to a rise in deaths among elderly and vulnerable people.
The UK Health Security Agency has placed north-east and north-west England under amber cold health alerts from 8pm on Sunday until midday on Monday 5 January. The alerts signal a heightened risk to public health as temperatures are forecast to drop sharply across the region.
The agency said the cold spell is likely to increase demand on health and care services and could result in higher mortality rates, particularly among people aged 65 and over and those with existing medical conditions.
Higher risk for vulnerable groups
Health officials warned that people with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are especially vulnerable during cold weather, as lower temperatures raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. Younger people with underlying health issues and those sleeping rough are also at increased risk.
The UKHSA said indoor temperatures in buildings such as hospitals, care homes and clinics could fall below the recommended minimum of 18°C, making it harder to keep residents and patients warm and safe.
Yellow alerts elsewhere in England
All other regions in England will be under yellow cold health alerts during the same period. While less severe than amber warnings, yellow alerts still indicate the potential for significant pressure on NHS services, particularly emergency care and GP services.
The agency also warned that cold conditions could disrupt staffing levels due to travel delays and impact critical infrastructure such as transport and energy networks.
Cold snap brings frost and travel disruption
The Met Office has forecast cloudy conditions across much of England overnight, with patches of frost and fog creating hazardous travel conditions on Monday morning. A brisk northerly wind is expected along the north-east coast, increasing the wind chill factor.
Temperatures are predicted to fall to around minus one degree Celsius overnight in parts of Cumbria, including Penrith, and hover close to freezing in areas of the Lake District covered by the amber alert. In northern Scotland, temperatures could plunge further to minus six or minus seven degrees.
Public urged to check on others
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UK Health Security Agency, urged the public to look out for those most at risk as the cold weather takes hold.
He said the forecast temperatures could have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing conditions, and encouraged people to check on neighbours, friends and family to ensure they are warm and safe.
Cold weather health alerts are issued annually during winter and are designed to help local authorities, the NHS and care providers prepare for periods when low temperatures pose a greater risk to public health.
