Cold weather alert issued by UKHSA for Southport and the North West

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UKHSA issues cold weather alert

With cold weather forecast across parts of the country over the coming days, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that the North East of England, North West of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and East Midlands regions will experience cold weather from midday on Saturday 25 December until midday on Tuesday 28 December.

Agostinho Sousa, a consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

It’s important to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, including older neighbours or relatives – especially those living alone or those who have serious illness.Remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit. It’s also helpful to check they have enough food and drinks and any medicines they need.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Frank Saunders, said:

A cold air mass across the north of the UK will mean temperatures could fall as low as -2 in areas of north and east England.As a weather front moves up from the south west we could see snow falling on its leading edge as it meets this cold air, bringing snow and ice risks particularly to higher ground in the north of England. This will be coupled with some gusty winds which means it will feel even colder for many.

To check the latest weather forecast updates visit the Met Office website or app.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and COVID-19 and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep.

Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.