UK issues cold-health alerts as first seasonal chill arrives

The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow cold-health alerts for northwest England and the West Midlands, effective from 9am on Thursday, November 12, until noon on Saturday, November 14, as the season’s first significant cold spell brings frost and low temperatures.

The agency said colder weather can increase pressure on health services and pose greater risks to vulnerable people. Anya Gopfert, a UKHSA consultant in public health, said cold weather can seriously affect people aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions. She advised checking on friends, family and neighbours who may be vulnerable, and said keeping homes warm and dressing warmly can help.

Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said overnight temperatures could approach minus 6C in some areas over the coming days. He said the highest ground in northern Scotland could receive a few centimetres of snow, while frost is expected in parts of the country. The forecast also includes rain in western Scotland on Saturday and more widespread unsettled weather on Sunday, with around 30mm possible in some areas, particularly in the west.

A separate outlook points to a possible renewed cold spell from...