Cold weather health alert: South West braces itself

People across the South West are bracing themselves for a freezing night - with temperatures plunging for the first time this winter.

There could also be a light dusting of snow - as a band of ran comes in - with some coastal areas being hit by a band of rain.

From the heady heights of the warm temperatures in December, many places up and down the West Country will be reaching negative figures tonight - with Okehampton in Devon falling to -3 Celsius.

North Somerset Council has activated its cold weather emergency protocol, and so has Bristol Council, which triggers more support which can be given to people sleeping rough.

This ensures the local authority takes the necessary steps to make sure all known rough sleepers can access shelter if it is believed they are at risk due to sleeping rough during severe or extended cold weather.

The South West, as well as the South East, West Midlands, East Midlands and the North West of England are all under an amber Cold-Health Alert until 12noon on Friday (January 12).

On top of that, the Met Office also has imposed a yellow warning for ice - with drivers being warned of the slippery conditions.

A Yellow Cold-Health Alert remains for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, East of England, and London regions.

It's all as the Met Office forecast a period of lower-than-average temperatures during the past weekend and the week ahead.

Under the new CHA system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, an amber alert means that cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time, with potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors may also start to observe impacts, indicating a coordinated response is required.

Professor Dominic Mellon, Regional Deputy Director for UKHSA South West said: “With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the UK including the South West this 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. 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.”

The UKHSA are urging you to:

• 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 – call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency

To check the latest weather forecast updates, visit the Met Office website or app.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

People should aim to heat their rooms to at least 18 degrees if they can, and the UKHSA say wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer.

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