Full list of regions under cold weather alert with urgent warning for vulnerable

13 January 2024 , 18:45

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Full list of regions under cold weather alert with urgent warning for vulnerable

Britain's most vulnerable have been warned to protect themselves from freezing temperatures as forecasters issue a new alert for the entire of England.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office have announced a yellow cold health alert for nine regions. The alert is already in effect and has been put in place for several days until January 18. Vulnerable people, particularly over 65s, have been urged to take extra care as significant impacts are possible due to the severity of the weather. There may also be an increase in demand for remote healthcare services during this time.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, previously said: “The temperatures we will see leading into the weekend can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

"It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week.” It comes as forecasters issued a yellow weather warning with snow and ice expected in some parts of the country. The Met Office confirmed snowfall of "10cm in a few hours" could be expected in northern parts of the country. Futhermore, frequent showers are predicted to fall as snow to lower levels on Sunday.

A statement from the forecast service read: "Frequent snow showers will continue to affect northern Scotland through Monday. A spell of strong northerly winds affecting the Northern Isles and northeast Scotland during the day will also result in drifting of lying snow in places.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

The alert has been placed across nine regions (mapbox)

"Whilst accumulations will vary due to the nature of showers, 2-5 cm of snow is expected in many places. Where showers become more organised, there is a chance some low-lying areas could see 10 cm in a few hours."

The weather service said people should brace themselves for "below-freezing conditions overnight" and highlighted that temperatures in the day will not reach above 5C. A spokesperson previously said: "From Sunday and into the start of next week, a plunge of cold Arctic air will move in from the north, dropping temperatures further and increasing the risk of wintry showers, especially for those in coastal areas in the north. As we move through next week, cold conditions are likely to persist, with an increasing chance of significant snow and ice for some, though details are still being determined."

Brits have been told to wrap up warm following a plunge in temperatures (Charlotte Coney / Story Picture Agency)

The full list of areas under cold weather alert:

• North West
• North East
• Yorkshire and The Humber
• West Midlands
• East Midlands
• East of England
• South East
• London
• South West

Monica Charsley