Britons are being cautioned to prepare for a significant temperature drop this week, which may pose serious health risks for some individuals. The cold weather not only causes discomfort but can also lead to severe health complications.
While many may only feel a bit chilly, for others, the sudden cold spell could exacerbate existing illnesses or conditions. The winter season often sees a rise in flu, common colds, and Covid-19 cases, especially affecting those with chronic health issues during colder temperatures.
It is essential for vulnerable individuals to maintain warmth indoors and dress appropriately when going outside. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold weather warning until 8 am on Friday, November 21, covering regions like the North East, North West, East Midlands, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber. These alerts are issued to caution people about potential health impacts due to significant temperature changes.
Additionally, the Met Office has confirmed the possibility of snow and ice in various parts of the UK this week following above-average temperatures for this time of year. According to Met Office meteorologist Dan Holley, a cold northerly flow from the arctic, driven by high pressure to the northwest, will bring much colder conditions than recently experienced, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -7C in certain areas.
The UKHSA highlights that nine groups of people are particularly at risk of health issues during this cold period and points out external factors such as poor housing conditions, snow, ice, and increased infectious diseases prevalence that can heighten vulnerability to the cold.
To mitigate any cold-related complications, it is crucial to ensure adequate heating in your home, aiming for a minimum temperature of 18C in frequently used rooms. If your home remains cold despite heating, check for drafts from unsealed doors or windows that let in cold air. Proper insulation can also help retain heat and reduce heat loss, while signing up for UKHSA weather health alerts can provide early warnings of severe temperatures affecting health.
At Reach and our affiliated entities, we use cookies and device identifiers to enhance site experience, analyze usage, and display personalized ads. You can opt out of data sale or sharing by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button. Your use of our website signifies acceptance of cookie use and consent to our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.