Cold weather health alert warns icy snap could trigger ‘increased risk of death’
A COLD weather alert has been issued for parts of the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that the imminent dip in temperatures could increase the "risk of mortality" in the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
The Met Office and UKHSA say the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and The Humber will experience chillier conditions from 6pm on Friday until 12pm on Monday.
The alert, coded yellow, means hospitals and the health and social care sector will likely be busier than usual.
Temperatures are expected to plummet to near freezing as arctic air moves across the UK.
Aidan McGivern, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “By the end of the week, we are going to see cold winds arrive from the North.
"It’s going to feel colder this week and there will be some snow showers over, mainly, hills of northern Scotland.
“But elsewhere, with high pressure in place, it will be mostly dry on Friday and into the start of the weekend.”
Many people are struggling to heat their homes as they can't afford their energy bills due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The UKHSA advises seeking help from Simple Energy Advice, which provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.
If people can’t afford all the rooms they use, they are urged to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep.
Brits are also urged to wear several layers of thinner clothing to keep them warmer than one thicker layer.
Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective in keeping you warm.