London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Meteorological Office (MET) has predicted up to 20 cm of snow in the worst-hit areas, with icy conditions and wintry showers expected. Amber cold health alerts have been issued, with the potential for “significant impacts” including “a rise in deaths”.
The UK has been warned of a new cold snap, bringing “disruptive snow” expected to sweep through parts of the country as temperatures fall.
On Monday, the Met Office announced three yellow weather alerts for snow and ice, beginning
As Britain prepares for its “first taste of winter”, the forecaster has warned that some areas could see up to 20 cm of snow.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued the first amber cold health alerts of the season, affecting all of England except the South, until 6 pm on Saturday.
According to the HSA, the amber caution is announced when the weather is likely to “cause significant impacts across health and social care services”.
This includes the potential for an increase in deaths, especially among older adults or those with other health issues.
The head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, Dr Agostinho Sousa 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”.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director stated, “With the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning of snow and ice in some areas this week we are especially worried – the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has caused many older people to be extra fearful about turning on their heating this winter”.
She added, “The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia”.
Ms Abrahams insisted on the importance for older people to stay “fit, warm and well” by consuming hot meals, dressing warmly and sleeping with the windows closed.
The South East, South West and London are under yellow health alerts which are the second lowest level.
In the early hours of Monday, temperatures in Tulloch Bridge, Scottish Highlands saw temperature fall to -7.8C (18F), the UK’s lowest since last winter.
Snow covered the grounds across Aberdeenshire, including Glenshee Ski Centre, Corgarff and A939 near The Lecht in the Cairngorms.
Ingleborough mountain was blanketed in snow, and a light frost was reported near Clapham in the Yorkshire Dales.
Nicole Maxey, the spokesperson of the Met Office, confirmed that snow has mostly fallen on hilltops with 2 cm recorded in Lerwick, Shetland.
Ms Maxey stated, “There’s likely to be a widespread frost overnight as we get this colder air coming in from the arctic maritime air mass – cold air from the north pushing down across the country – which will be across the whole country by the middle of the week”.
The new warning for Northern Ireland is set to begin at 3 pm today and will remain in place until 10 am on Tuesday.
Newry, Belfast, Omagh, Derry, and Ballycastle are included in the list of warning-affected locations.