Cold health alert in place until Tuesday as temperatures remain around 2°C

An amber cold weather alert is in place across the north west until Tuesday 5 December, with average temperatures forecast to be around 2°C.

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.

In the coming days, there will be widespread overnight frosts for much of the UK and a risk of snow.

The Met Office says daytime temperatures are expected to be rooted in single figures and overnight temperatures falling well below freezing in many places due to cold air from Scandinavia.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Neil Armstrong, said: “Where the showers fall as rain there is a risk of icy patches forming overnight with temperatures widely dipping below freezing.

“A number of National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued and these are likely to be updated through the week so stay up to date with the forecast for your area.”

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “With a risk of widespread overnight frosts and some snow across the country this week, it’s important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.

“Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly older people, and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.

“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 in, such as your living room or bedroom.”

Additionally, the RAC advises preparing a winter kit of essential items to keep in your car in case you get stuck in cold and wintry weather.

RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: "We expect to see a sharp rise in breakdowns this week as cold weather is the nemesis of older car batteries. It exposes any weaknesses in battery health and leads to a huge jump in the number of cars that won't start.

"We urge every driver who has noticed their car is sluggish to start to get it checked by a reputable mobile mechanic or garage as soon as possible. Anyone who doesn't, risks their car letting them down just at the very moment they need it, whether they're heading to work or on the way to an important appointment.

"We also strongly recommend drivers pack some winter gear should their cars let them down and they find themselves stuck in sub-zero temperatures. Extra warm clothes, food and drink, plus a fully charged phone powerbank are all a must."

UKHSA has supplemented the Adverse Weather and Health Plan with top tips for keeping warm and keeping warm and well guidance.

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.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the rooms they spend most time in (for example, the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep). They should aim to heat these rooms to at least 18°C if they can. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer.

Here are the ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of cold weather:

• 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