FORECASTERS have extended a cold weather health warning into next week amid fears the risk of “silent killers” will rise.
All of England will remain under the yellow alert until Friday January 18 as temperatures are set to plunge once more.
PAA person walking through a snow flurry in Lenham, Kent[/caption]
“Disruptive” snow is expected from Sunday as an arctic airmass makes it way across the UK.
As a result, all regions of England have currently been placed under a yellow alert for another week.
Previously, five regions were under an amber alert and four under a yellow alert until midday today.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “The temperatures we will see leading into the weekend can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
“It therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week.”
Ahead of the weekend, largely cool and dry conditions are in place for much of the UK, with sub-zero temperatures overnight for many.
But from Sunday another cold snap is expected.
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
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Hayter explained: “While the initial snow risk from Sunday onwards is looking most likely to be coastal areas in the north of the UK, including North Sea and Irish Sea coasts, there’s an ongoing likelihood of some disruptive snow through the middle to latter part of next week.
“What we’re keeping an eye on for this disruptive snow is where exactly this milder air from the southwest bumps into the cold air that will be in place over the UK.
“It’s where these airmasses meet that there’s a likelihood of some substantial snow for some places.
“At the moment, models are showing us a variety of options for exactly when and how this situation plays out and it’s something we’ll be able to add more details to in the coming days.”