UKHSA issue Cold-Health Alert as South West freezes
Below-zero temperatures are going to be felt across our region tonight
It might have been a warm Christmas just a week ago - but now the South West has been plunged into freezing temperatures, with the UK Health Security Agency today issuing its first Cold-Health Alert of 2025.
The amber alert has been issued for all regions of England from midday today (2 January) until midday next Wednesday (8 January).
The UKHSA are urging us to check on others, with the expected low temperatures likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.
Read more: Rough sleepers taken off the streets as yellow warning for snow issued
Sarah Bird, Consultant in Health Protection at the UKHSA in the South West, said: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
"These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
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.
You can view a map of UKHSA Health Alerts for the weather on their website.