The UK Government has issued an amber warning ahead of a cold snap which poses a danger to life over the next six days. The amber cold health alert for London kicks in at 12pm today (Thursday, January 2) and runs all the way through until 12pm on January 8 due to expected weather conditions.
It comes as the Met Office issued a 45 hour-long weather warning for the capital with chances of snow flurries. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns there could be a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, during this cold spell. Younger age groups are at risk as well though.
It could also lead to temperatures inside places like hospitals, care homes, and clinics dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks. Transport and energy services may also feel the freeze.
Hospitals across London are bracing for the impact of this cold snap on emergency services. With the Met Office predicting sub-zero temperatures and snow, St George’s, Epsom and St Helier’s emergency departments (EDs) are expecting demand to soar as the temperature drops.
Professor Arlene Wellman MBE, Group Chief Nurse for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier, said: “Our hospitals are very stretched and we are under extreme pressure. We expect to see higher demand during cold spells and in the days that follow, and are doing everything we can to handle this. You can help us by checking in on vulnerable people and using services best suited to your needs, such as NHS 111.”
Dr Richard Jennings, Group Chief Medical Officer for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier, said: “It’s a common misconception that you will be seen more quickly if you visit an emergency department when it’s not an emergency – but in fact, you will wait longer. Please stay at home if you have norovirus symptoms and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you haven’t done so already, get your flu, RSV and Covid jabs if you’re eligible.”
Tips on keeping London homes warm during cold spells
For specific details about the health alert in your region of England, check out the interactive map above. For advice on staying warm through the freezing weather, the Mayor of London’s website offers the following advice:
- Heat your home to at least 18 degrees Celsius, and fit draught proofing to ensure that no heat escapes.
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Draw curtains at dusk to help keep rooms warm, and don’t cover or obstruct radiators.
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Eat plenty of hot food and drinks and try to get up and move at least once per hour to keep your body warm.
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Wear multiple thin layers such as clothes made from cotton, wool or fleece to trap heat.
The Mayor of London’s website also warns against the following:
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Never use a hot water bottle and electric blanket at the same time, as you put yourself at risk of electrocution.
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Never use a gas cooker or oven to heat your home – it could result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
London weather forecast
Today, Thursday (January 2)
According to the latest BBC Weather forecast for London tt will be a colder day with a light to gentle north-westerly wind. It will be dry with bright spells and variable cloud to start, but turning bright for all into the afternoon. This evening and tonight will remain dry, and there will be widely clear skies throughout. A much colder night.
Friday (January 3)
Tomorrow will see a bright, crisp start, but in the afternoon areas of cloud will drift in from the north for many. Staying dry though.
Saturday to Monday (January 4 to 6)
Saturday will be mainly dry and cloudy. Turning unsettled and windy towards the evening and overnight, with a band of rain moving in from the south-west, with sleet and snow for a time on its leading edge. Sunday will be a cloudy day with showers in places. A band of rain will move in from the west towards the end of the day and overnight. Monday will be mainly dry and bright.
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