Please stay warm and safe whilst we are in the grips of this unseasonal cold weather. If you know of anyone who may be more vulnerable in your community pay them a visit to ensure that they are keeping warm and if you are concerned about their health don't hesitate to call for medical help.
Current alert level: Level 3 - Cold Weather Action in one or more regions of England
Issued at: Monday 25 March 2013 at 08:14
There is a 100% probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions between 0800 on Monday and 0800 on Friday in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your Trust's emergency plan for appropriate preventive action.
This is an extension and update to the existing level 3. Bitterly cold easterly winds will persist this week, bringing snow showers to northeast England and light snow flurries across other areas of England. With lying snow and partial snow melt during the daytimes icy conditions are likely during the nights.
| Region | Risk | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| North East England | 100% | Cold easterly winds will bring very cold conditions through the coming week with occasional wintry showers, the showers especially during Tuesday and Wednesday. |
| North West England | 100% | Cold easterly winds will bring very cold conditions through the coming week with occasional wintry showers, the showers especially during Tuesday and Wednesday. |
| Yorkshire & the Humber | 100% | Cold easterly winds will bring very cold conditions this week with a few light wintry flurries. |
| East Midlands | 90% | Cold easterly winds will bring very cold conditions this week with a few light wintry flurries. |
| West Midlands | 90% | Continuing very cold, mainly dry, with brisk easterly winds and overnight frosts. |
| East of England | 90% | Cold easterly winds will bring very cold conditions through the coming week with a few light wintry flurries. |
| South East England | 80% | Cold easterly winds will bring very cold conditions this week with some light wintry flurries. |
| London | 80% | Cold easterly winds will bring very cold conditions this week with a few light wintry flurries. |
| South West England | 70% | Mainly dry, but continuing very cold with brisk easterly winds and overnight frosts. |
An update will be issued when the alert level changes in any region. Alerts are issued once a day by 0900 if required and are not subject to amendment in between standard issue times. Note that the details of the forecast weather are valid at the time of issue but may change over the period that an alert remains in force. These details will not be updated here unless the alert level also changes, the latest forecast details can be obtained at the following link: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/#?tab=map
Cold Weather Alert regions
| Region not included | |
| Winter preparedness and long-term planning | |
| Alert and readiness | |
| Cold weather action | |
| Emergency |
Guide to Cold Weather Alert
Threshold Values
There are two different thresholds for the Cold Weather Alert service. Only one of the thresholds needs to be breached for a warning to be issued.
The thresholds were developed, working closely with the Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency, to pinpoint when winter weather will impact on people’s health.
The thresholds are:
- Mean temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius for 48 hours or longer
- Heavy snow and/or widespread ice
Level 1: Green - Winter preparedness and long-term planning
This is the minimum state of vigilance during the winter. During this time social and healthcare services will ensure that there is ongoing awareness and preparedness.
Advice: If you want more information about how cold weather can affect your health please visit www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647,www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or your local pharmacist.
Level 2: Yellow - Alert and readiness
Triggered by the Met Office as soon as the risk is 60% or above for any of the thresholds to be breached. This is an important stage for social and healthcare services who will be working to ensure readiness and swift action to reduce harm from a potential period of cold weather.
Advice: Prolonged periods of cold weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases.
If you want more information about how cold weather can affect your health please visit www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647,www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or your local pharmacist.
Level 3: Amber - Cold weather action
Triggered by the Met Office when we are experiencing weather which breaches any of the thresholds. This stage requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.
Action: Prolonged periods of cold weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases.
If you want more information about how cold weather can affect your health please visit www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647,www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or your local pharmacist.
Level 4: Red - Emergency
Reached when a period of cold weather is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system. A level 4 warning would be issued on advice from, or in collaboration with, our Government partners. At this level, the health effects may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups.
Advice: You can help keep warm by heating all the rooms that you use in your home, ensuring that your bedroom temperature is above 18 °C overnight. Dress warmly, ensuring you wear plenty of thin layers, rather than one thick one. If there is anyone you know who might be at special risk, for example an older person living on their own, make sure they know what to do.
If you want more information about how cold weather can affect your health please visit www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647,www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or your local pharmacist.
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