The Met Office has sounded the alarm with a rare amber alert for all of England as temperatures take a nosedive. In collaboration, the UK Health Security Agency and the national forecaster have sent out a joint warning to every region in anticipation of heavy snowfall and biting cold.The amber cold health alert kicked off at midday on Thursday, 2 January, and is set to stay until the same time on Wednesday, 8 January.The big freeze is expected to impact health and social care services severely, reports the Mirror.Those over 65 and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable, with the harsh weather potentially leading to an increase in fatalities.
Health services and transport systems are bracing for the strain, with anticipated travel disruptions and a spike in hospital admissions.
Alerts cover regions including the West Midlands, East Midlands, northeast, northwest, Yorkshire and The Humber, east of England, London, southeast, and southwest.The Met Office's forecast predicts: "It will be a cold but mostly sunny day across the UK." It also warns of "Wintry showers for coasts exposed to the northerly breeze and North Sea.
Remaining blustery in the north and east with lighter winds elsewhere." They further caution: "A cold and frosty night will then follow for all with icy stretches possible.