'Rise in deaths' possible as cold-health alert issued for Sussex and Surrey
Here’s everything you need to know after a yellow cold-health alert was issued for Sussex and Surrey.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – in partnership with the Met Office – has urged people across the UK to keep themselves and loved ones safe.
An amber cold health alert has been issued for the North West of England, North East of England, Yorkshire and The Humber.
A yellow warning is in place for other areas – including the South East of England – meaning impacts are ‘probable across the health and social care sector’.
The yellow warning, which came into force at 12pm on Monday (November 17), will be in place until 8am on Saturday, November 22.
The risk description reads: "There is potential for significant impacts across health and social care services, including – a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions [but there may also be] impacts on younger age groups; a likely increase in demand for health services; impacts on the workforce affecting delivery of services and challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°C, leading to more risk to vulnerable people.”
The alerting system provides an early warning when adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and well-being of the population.
Allison Cannon, chief nursing officer for NHS Sussex, said: “Colder weather can have a serious impact on people’s health, especially for those who are older, have long-term conditions, or may find it harder to keep their homes warm.
"We’re asking everyone in our communities to take simple steps to protect themselves and to look out for family, friends and neighbours who may be more at risk. Keeping warm, staying connected and seeking advice early if you feel unwell can make a real difference during this period of low temperatures.”
According to weather forecasting service WX Charts, East Sussex could see around four centimetres of snow fall on Sunday, November 23.
The Met Office said arctic air plunged southwards on Monday – ‘bringing a cold but sunny day for many’. Temperatures have dropped below zero degrees Celsius.
Multiple national severe weather warnings for ice and snow are in place for parts of Scotland and northern England from Monday to Thursday.
Deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree explained: “Wednesday to Friday will be the coldest part of the week, and this period has the greatest potential for impactful weather, with multiple warnings in place. Overnight, temperatures could get down to minus ten, with a significant wind chill from the strong northerly wind making things feel even colder.
“Wintry snow showers are expected to extend south through Wednesday and into Thursday, mainly affecting north facing coastal areas.
"Snow accumulations are possible, including 2-5 cm to some low-lying areas in the north and east where showers are frequent.
"On hills in parts of Northern Ireland, the northeast of England and Scotland, 5-10 cm of snow could fall and accumulations of 15-20cm are possible above 300 metres in parts of northeastern England and Scotland.
“Although many places will see plenty of sunshine, daytime temperatures will be well-below average, with a widespread frost setting in during the evening, especially in sheltered areas.
“With sub-zero temperatures in the first ‘cold snap’ of the year, updates to the current warnings are possible, so its important people keep up to date with the forecast.”
The Met Office also provided a London & South East England weather forecast
After a cloudy and cold start to Tuesday, it is expected to be dry and brighter during the afternoon. Cloud and patchy rain will, however, spreads southeast towards the evening. Temperatures will peak at eight degrees Celsius and drop as low as three degrees on Tuesday night.
The forecast for Wednesday reads: “Overnight rain clearing to leave a cold and windy day with occasional showers in the east. Brighter elsewhere but still feeling cold with strong northerly winds. Maximum temperature [will be] five degrees Celsius.”
It is expected to stay cold and windy – but dry – on Thursday to Saturday.
The Met Office added: “Very cold overnight into Friday but staying dry. Rain overnight into Saturday bringing more unsettled but generally milder conditions.”
The UK long range weather forecast – from Saturday, November 22 until Monday, December 1 – predicts that Atlantic weather fronts will ‘continue to spread east’. This will bring spells of rain, ‘potentially quite widely’.
The Met Office added: “More showery conditions will likely follow but there will be some brighter spells at times. The showery conditions will likely persist for a few subsequent days, though there is some risk of Atlantic frontal systems moving in from the west at times.
"Temperatures will be a little below normal. A westerly dominated pattern will likely persist through to the end of November with outbreaks of rain or showers and temperatures near to or a little below normal. There could however still be some wintry showers at times in the north. Areas if low pressure may bring longer spells of rain and periods of strong winds at times.”