The UK braces for a cold snap with temperatures dropping to minus 8C, prompting health alerts and warnings for vulnerable populations.
City: UK. So, it looks like we’re in for a chilly spell. Temperatures are set to plummet to minus 8C tonight, and it’s going to last for a week. The UK Health Security Agency is sounding the alarm with cold weather health alerts across England.
They’ve issued amber alerts from Thursday noon until January 8, warning that this could lead to more deaths, especially among older folks or those with health issues. Rural Scotland and northern England are expected to feel the brunt of the cold.
The Met Office is also predicting frosty conditions in parts of Wales and southern England, with temperatures dipping to around minus 4C to minus 5C. Dan Stroud, a meteorologist, mentioned that we’ll see widespread frost from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
He added that it’s going to be much colder than usual for this time of year, especially in Scotland. But don’t worry too much; it should warm up a bit by the end of the weekend before the cold hits again early next week.
Stroud said the second half of the weekend might see temperatures in the high singles or low doubles, but brace yourself for another drop on Monday and Tuesday. The NHS is advising people to stay indoors when it’s icy and dark.
In Herefordshire, the local NHS Trust is reminding folks to stock up on food and medicine and to keep their homes warm. Age UK is raising concerns about the government’s decision to limit winter fuel payments to only the poorest pensioners, which could leave many older people in a tough spot.
They’re urging seniors to stay warm, even if it means spending a bit more on heating. There’s help available from energy companies and local councils if you’re struggling.
On top of that, the Met Office has issued fresh warnings for ice and snow over the weekend. They’re saying there could be icy surfaces in northern and western Scotland, as well as parts of England and Northern Ireland.
Travel could be tricky, with a yellow warning in place from Thursday evening until Friday morning. Snow and ice warnings are also set for northern Scotland. Expect about 5cm of snow across the Midlands and northern England, with even more in higher areas.
Strong winds could cause snow drifts, and as temperatures rise, freezing rain might add to the ice risk. The Met Office is advising everyone to be prepared for longer travel times and possible delays on trains.
In London, councils have activated emergency measures for rough sleepers, providing extra beds during these freezing nights. Meanwhile, Greater Manchester has stood down a major incident related to flooding, focusing now on recovery efforts.
