A cold weather alert has been issued covering York and North Yorkshire.
It’s in effect from 8pm tonight (Sunday, 28 December) until midday on Monday, 5 January.
Temperatures are set to drop to -3°C by next Saturday night in York.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says their yellow alert has a matrix score of 9. This means:
- challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°C leading to more risk to vulnerable people
- a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. We may also see impacts on younger age groups
- a likely increase in demand for health services
- impacts on the workforce affecting delivery of services.
But it is forecast to remain dry.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
