Cold health alerts have been issued for every part of England this week with a warning that in some areas there could be a ‘rise in deaths’.
Health warning issued across England from New Year’s Day. (Image: Getty)
Cold health alerts have been issued for every part of England this week with a warning that in some areas there could be a ‘rise in deaths’ as a result of the weather conditions.
With snow, high winds and heavy rain forecast across the country over New Year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the warnings which start at 9am on New Year’s Day.
All nine regions in England have been placed under a Yellow Alert due to the potential impact on the health of local populations.
However, areas in the Midlands and the North are likely to be worst hit according to the UKHSA. In these regions the agency has warned that ‘significant impacts’ are possible across health and social care services.
Some areas could see a ‘rise in deaths’ as a result of the weather conditions. (Image: Getty)
They include a rise in deaths particularly among the over-65s and people with health conditions. The weather conditions mean that it will be more difficult for vulnerable people to keep their homes warm.
In areas across the South and East of England, there is also a Yellow alert in place, however the forecast weather is only expected to have “minor impacts” on health and social care services in these areas.
The warnings start at 9am on New Year’s Day (Wednesday) and run until 9am on Saturday, January 4.
The health alert comes after the Met Office issued a number of yellow weather warnings for snow, wind and rain.
You can see full details of the health alert in your region of England by clicking on this interactive map.
In its forecast for Wednesday, January 1, to Friday, January 3, the Met Office said: “Further unsettled weather to come, with frequent heavy showers and strong winds into New Year’s Day. Turning colder from Thursday, with blustery, perhaps wintry, showers.”
‘Heavy and persistent snow’ is expected to bring disruption to a large part of Britain on Wednesday, January 1 – up to 25cm of snow has been predicted for some areas.
As we enter the New Year, ‘very strong’ winds are also forecast with gusts reaching up to 75mph. A yellow weather warning for snow will come into effect at 9am on New Year’s Day and end at 3am on Thursday, January 2.
This is expected to cover the East Midlands; north east and north west England; Yorkshire and Humber; Central, Tayside and Fife; south west Scotland and Strathclyde. A second weather warning for snow will be in force across Northern Ireland between 7am and 11.59pm on Wednesday, January 1.
