Amber cold health alert issued

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If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat the rooms where you spend most of your time

An amber cold health alert has been issued for the north west of England until 12pm on Friday 12 January.

The region had previously been placed under a yellow alert from 9am on Saturday 6 January, with the Met Office forecasting a period of lower-than-average temperatures across that weekend and the coming week.

Under the new CHA system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, an amber alert means that cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time, with potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors may also start to observe impacts.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the United Kingdom into next week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.

“Cold weather can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, so it can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.

“Temperatures are expected to turn particularly cold overnight, as we would expect at this time of year. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65 it is important to try and heat the rooms where you spend most of your time, such as your living room or bedroom, in the coming days.”

The last amber cold health alert for the north west was issued in November 2023.