A COLD weather alert has been issued for parts of the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that the imminent dip in temperatures could increase the “risk of mortality” in the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
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The Met Office and UKHSA say the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber will experience chillier conditions from 6pm on Friday until 12pm on Monday.
The alert, coded yellow, means hospitals and the health and social care sector will likely be busier than usual.
Temperatures are expected to plummet to near freezing as arctic air moves across the UK.
Aidan McGivern, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “By the end of the week, we are going to see cold winds arrive from the North.
“It’s going to feel colder this week and there will be some snow showers over, mainly, hills of northern Scotland.
“But elsewhere, with high pressure in place, it will be mostly dry on Friday and into the start of the weekend.”
Many people are struggling to heat their homes as they can’t afford their energy bills due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The UKHSA advises seeking help from Simple Energy Advice, which provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.
If people can’t afford all the rooms they use, they are urged to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep.
Brits are also urged to wear several layers of thinner clothing to keep them warmer than one thicker layer.
Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective in keeping you warm.
While exposure to cold weather can affect anyone, the government says that those most at risk include:
- Older people (aged 65 years and over)
- People with long-term health conditions such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or a mental health condition
- Pregnant women
- Young children (particularly those aged 5 and under)
- People with learning disabilities
- People at risk of falls
- People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
- People who are housebound or have low mobility
- People living in deprived circumstances
There are many reasons for the increased risk of ill-health during the winter. These include:
- Poor quality housing and particularly cold homes
- Higher frequency of circulating infectious diseases, such as flu and norovirus during the winter months
- Physical hazards such as snow and ice
Malfunctioning or inappropriate appliances to heat homes can also increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
And when a house is damp as well as cold, mould is more likely to occur. This can increase the risk of illness, especially from asthma.
How to keep warm at home
You should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you.
Low indoor temperatures can have a serious impact on your health, especially if you have medical conditions or are older.
Simple changes can help to keep you and your home warm:
- Try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18C
- Try to reduce draughts; you can fit draft excluders around doors cheaply
- Keep your bedroom windows closed at night
- Wear several layers of thinner clothing; this could keep you warmer than one thicker layer.
You should also try not to sit still for more than an hour or so and stretch your limbs regularly.
It is also important to get vaccinated to help reduce your risk of respiratory illnesses, to treat minor ailments like sore throats and colds quickly, and to call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency if you need to.
Source: UKHSA