A four-day cold weather health alert is in effect for central and northern England, beginning Friday morning, February 13th, and lasting until Monday morning, February 16th. The alert warns that vulnerable individuals face increased risks, and health services could experience minor increases in demand.
Cold Weather Sweeps Across Parts of England
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the alert, which applies to the East Midlands, North East, North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber. Separate snow and ice alerts are also in place for northern England and Scotland, extending through Thursday and Friday.
The Met Office forecasts one to two centimetres of snow is likely across much of the affected area, with up to 10cm possible at elevations above 300m. Friday is expected to be the coldest day, with temperatures around 2C (35F) in Manchester and 0C (32F) in Glasgow.
Scotland is also bracing for heavy rainfall, with yellow warnings in effect until midnight for eastern and western regions. Aberdeen has already received 180% of its typical February rainfall, while Kincardineshire and Angus have seen 152% and 130% respectively.
Sky News weather producer Chris England noted the temperature drop “will come as something of a shock after the long mild, wet spell.” He explained that a southward shift in the jet stream will bring a northerly flow and more wintry conditions, though milder weather is expected to return from the South later in the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are affected by the cold weather alert?
The alert covers the East Midlands, North East, North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber in England. Separate alerts are in place for northern England and Scotland.
When will the alert be in effect?
The alert runs from Friday morning, February 13th, until Monday morning, February 16th.
What is the expected snowfall?
One to two centimetres of snow is widely likely, but some places above 300m could get as much as 10cm.
As the weather shifts, will you be taking extra precautions to protect yourself and vulnerable members of your community?
