The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of snow and ice across most of England
An amber cold health alert has been issued for every part of England this week. The warning states some areas could see a “rise in deaths” as a result of the cold weather.
The warning issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) starts at 12pm today, January 6 and will remain in place for the rest of the week. In all parts of the country there is a warning that ‘significant impacts’ are possible across health and social care services.
They include a rise in deaths particularly among the over 65s and people with health conditions. The weather conditions mean that there will be an increase in demand for health services and there is a likelihood of staffing issues for essential services due to travel delays.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of snow and ice across most of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland today. In Merseyside a new yellow weather warning for snow and ice will be in place from 5pm today until 10am tomorrow morning, January 7.
The warning comes as Merseyside is already under a yellow weather warning for snow and ice and a rare amber warning was in place for much of the weekend, as the region saw heavy snowfall and travel disruption.
In addition to the ice, snow above 200 metres is likely with a small chance of snowfall greater than 5 cm above 200 metres in Wales. The heaviest snow showers may also produce temporary accumulations of 0cm to 2 cm at low levels. Icy stretches and sleet/snow showers are expected developing overnight, bringing some disruption, especially to travel.
In their forecast for tonight, the forecast issued by the Met Office states: “Further wintry showers and icy stretches overnight, primarily for Merseyside, Manchester and Cheshire. Prolonged clear periods elsewhere, under which a frost likely forming. Blustery around coasts and hills. Minimum temperature -3 °C.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow they state: “Sunny spells and scattered showers, mixing rain, sleet, snow and hail. Showers tending to fade later as winds also ease. Cold, with a widespread and locally severe frost overnight. Maximum temperature 5 °C.”
You can see full details of the health alert in your region of England by clicking on this interactive map. Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing in many areas later this week.