London is preparing for a weekend of freezing temperatures and snow, as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber cold-weather alert due to the severe weather conditions expected. The alert is in place for all regions of England until midday next Wednesday, with health officials warning that the cold could have serious health implications for vulnerable individuals.
The UKHSA highlighted that the forecasted low temperatures could result in increased demand for healthcare services, particularly from those aged 65 and above, and people with pre-existing health conditions. As temperatures in London plunged below zero overnight, the capital is expected to see a “feels like” temperature of -4°C at 7 am on Friday, with the daytime high anticipated to reach only 4°C.
Snow and ice warnings for the weekend
In addition to the cold temperatures, the Met Office has issued two amber weather warnings for snow and ice, which are expected to affect large parts of England and Wales over the weekend. The first warning for snow and freezing rain is in effect from 6 pm on Saturday to midday on Sunday, covering much of Wales and central England. The second warning for snow has been issued for northern England, from 9 pm on Saturday until midnight on Sunday.
The Met Office is predicting up to 30cm of snow in some areas, with 3 to 7cm likely across a broader region. Rural communities may face the risk of being cut off due to heavy snow, and there is also the potential for significant disruptions to transport networks. Stranded vehicles, delayed or cancelled trains and flights, and power cuts are all expected, with the Met Office urging residents to prepare for challenging conditions.
Health concerns amidst freezing temperatures
The cold weather is expected to have a particular impact on vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Dr. Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UKHSA, stressed the importance of looking out for friends, family, and neighbours who may be at risk. He warned that cold temperatures could increase the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory infections, particularly among those most vulnerable.
“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,” said Dr. Sousa. “It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family, and neighbours that are most vulnerable.”
Forecast for London and emergency measures
London could see snow in two distinct periods. The first snowfall is expected on Saturday between 5 pm and 10 pm, with a second round expected on Sunday night, from 10 pm to 2 am on Monday. In response to the anticipated cold snap, Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan activated London’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) on Thursday, ensuring emergency accommodation is available for rough sleepers during the freezing weather.
With snow and ice likely to affect transport across the country, the Met Office has warned that schools in affected areas could be forced to close, and disruptions to travel are expected. Road closures, flight cancellations, and rail delays are anticipated, with National Rail already reporting disruptions to services across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Travel and transport disruptions
The snow and ice are expected to make travel conditions difficult, especially in northern and western Scotland, the North-West of England, and Northern Ireland. Temperatures are predicted to fall as low as -8°C in rural parts of Scotland and northern England, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike.
More Read
A major snow and ice warning is also in place for parts of northern Scotland, where freezing rain could compound the risk of ice. The combination of snow, freezing rain, and strong winds could lead to snowdrifts and further complicate travel.
As of Friday, National Rail services have been disrupted across several routes, including Northern and ScotRail services. In Wales, buses are replacing trains between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog due to the adverse weather conditions.
Preparing for the cold
With the cold spell expected to last for several days, residents are being urged to take precautions. The Met Office recommends keeping up to date with the latest weather forecasts, wearing warm layers, and taking extra care when travelling on icy roads or pavements. Vulnerable individuals should ensure they have adequate heating and supplies to stay safe during the cold snap.
As winter weather continues to affect much of the UK, the amber cold-weather alert serves as a reminder of the potential health risks and the importance of preparing for the challenges of snow and freezing temperatures.
