The UKHSA is issuing yellow cold health alerts across seven English regions as the Met Office forecasts snow and rain
Several regions of England are affected by the alerts (Pictured: West Yorkshire, January 9)(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is issuing multiple yellow Cold-Health Alerts (CHAs) across seven regions of England due to an increased risk of adverse temperatures. These alerts act as an early warning system when severe weather conditions are expected to affect the ‘well-being of the population’.
The UKHSA has confirmed that CHAs will come into force from 6pm this evening (February 17) and will remain active for 72 hours, concluding at 6pm on Friday, February 20. The warnings will affect the North East, North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, and South West, while London and the South East remain unaffected.
Official UK Government guidance on CHAs states: “The alerting system provides an early warning when adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and well-being of the population. The Weather health alerting system is provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in partnership with the Met Office.
“It’s intended to provide early warning to the health and social care sector, the responder community, the voluntary and community sector and government departments when adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and well-being of the population.”
The CHA system typically operates from November 1 to March 31 annually, whilst the Heat-Health Alerts (HHAs) system generally runs from June 1 to September 30 each year. However, should a cold spell occur outside this primary timeframe, an exceptional alert will be issued. Anyone who completes a registration form can receive alerts directly via email.
Today’s alerts come as the Met Office is currently forecasting both snow and rain in parts of England over the coming days. In some areas, this may be accompanied by strong winds, enhancing the likelihood of detrimental impacts.
“Spells of rain, some heavy, will affect southern parts of England during Wednesday and overnight into Thursday, whilst some snow is also likely over higher ground, chiefly during Wednesday night,” the Met Office has said.
“10-20 mm of rain is expected quite widely with a few places near the south coast seeing 20-30 mm and perhaps as much as 50 mm over Dartmoor.
“Strong east to northeasterly winds will accompany the rain and/or snow, which could exacerbate impacts in places. Large waves could affect some east-facing coasts, especially along the English Channel.”
Given these conditions, residents are urged to determine whether their properties are at risk of flooding. If they do, it would be best to prepare a flood plan and an emergency kit, which might include vital documents, waterproof clothing, drinking water, and emergency medicines.
Thinking about what should happen to your pets and having important contact details at hand can also be particularly beneficial in these circumstances. For instance, knowing your home insurance details before an incident can help you respond more quickly to potential damage.
The Met Office guidance has added: “People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”
For more information on the UKHSA alerts, visit GOV.UK here.
Full list of Cold‑Health Alerts (CHAs) in place
- North East
- North West
- Yorkshire and The Humber
- East Midlands
- West Midlands
- East of England
- South West
