UKHSA and Met Office issue yellow Cold-Health Alert for Yorkshire

UKHSA and the Met Office have issued an amber Cold-Health Alert (CHA) across Yorkshire and The Humber this week

After what had been an unseasonably warm and wet December and festive period, it seems the typical winter weather has well and truly arrived now, as a number of weather warnings have been dished out right across the UK for this week – including the yellow CHA in Yorkshire.

The yellow CHA – which also covers the North East of England, East of England and the South East of England – will stay in place until 12pm this Friday (12 January).

In addition, many regions across the UK, including the North West, have been issued an amber alert, meaning “cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time”.

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The impactful rain and showers which have been a feature of the new year’s weather will ease with many regions becoming fine and dry over the weekend.

Find out more in our latest news release:

— Met Office (@metoffice) January 5, 2024

Leeds could see some very cold temperatures this week which are against the norm for this time of year.

The Met Office has also predicted that snow could fall as soon as Thursday 11 January.

The UKHSA has issued some top tips which you can use to keep yourself and others safe during periods of cold weather:

• Check the weather forecast and the news
• Make sure you have sufficient food and medicine
• Take simple measures to reduce draughts at home
• Keep bedroom windows closed
• Wear multiple layers of thinner clothing
• If you’re eligible, get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19
• Get help if needed – and call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency

Speaking as the alerts are issued across the UK this week, and providing some advice for those who may need it most, Dr Agostinho Sousa, who is the Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the UK 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.”

“So 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.”

Feature Image- University of Leeds Careers

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