The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recently issued a total of nine health alerts for the upcoming week, with five of them classified as ‘yellow’, indicating a risk to life due to cold weather. This alert comes as the Met Office has forecasted a sudden cold snap for the entire country. A yellow weather warning has been issued for snow and ice in various parts of the UK, with the possibility of up to 20cm of snow on higher ground on Monday and Tuesday. There is also a chance of up to 10cm of snow settling at lower levels, which could cause disruptions.
The warning covers regions such as southern Scotland, north-east England, parts of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria in the north-west of England, and is in effect from 10am on Monday until 10am on Tuesday. Additionally, a separate warning for snow and ice has been put in place for northern Scotland from 4pm on Sunday until 11am on Monday. The UKHSA has issued yellow alerts for the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands and West Midlands. Green alerts have been issued for the East of England, London, South East, and South West. These alerts denote potential impacts on health and social care services.
Tom Morgan, a meteorologist at the Met Office, mentioned that the cold air is expected to arrive next week, bringing snow to parts of the UK along with a mix of rain, sleet, and snow. He advised the public to prepare for winter conditions if they have travel plans. Mr Morgan also highlighted that the sudden change in weather patterns is due to a shift in the jet stream’s orientation. Temperatures in the UK have been above average this November, although some regions, such as the North West, have experienced thick fog, affecting visibility.
The Met Office explained that the fog’s persistence is due to high pressure, light winds, temperature inversion, and stagnant air preventing its dispersal. A temperature inversion, where temperatures increase with altitude, is contributing to the fog formation. Despite the unusual cold spell forecasted for the upcoming week, the UK typically experiences rapid weather changes. The public is advised to stay informed about weather updates and be prepared for wintry conditions, including snow, ice, and frost.
In summary, the UK faces an impending cold snap, prompting health alerts and weather warnings across various regions. The public is urged to stay vigilant, take necessary precautions, and stay updated with the latest forecasts to ensure their safety during the anticipated cold weather period.