MET Office Yellow Weather Warning of Ice

What to expect

• Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
• Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths

Cold  weather alerts for healthcare professionals

The Met Office issues Cold Weather Alerts that are sent directly to social and healthcare services in England. These alerts ensure that staff are fully prepared for any cold weather periods, and those who are more vulnerable to cold weather conditions are aware and prepared.

The UK Health Security Agency produces a Cold Weather Plan for England which helps to raise awareness of the harm to health from cold weather, and provides guidance on how to prepare for and respond to cold weather.

Check out further advice on how to stay well this winter on the NHS or Age UK websites.

Why is winter weather a risk to our health?

Cold temperatures have an impact on our health, but there are other risks in winter including physical injuries from slips, trips and falls.

As we get older it becomes harder for our bodies to detect how cold we are, and it takes longer to warm up which can be bad for our health. For older people in particular, the longer the exposure to the cold, the more risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis and increased accidents at home (associated with loss of strength and dexterity in the hands).

Here’s a video about how weather can affect our health and what you can do to manage the possible impacts:

Keep warm and active

It is important to keep warm in winter both inside and outdoors. Keeping warm can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems.

Eating regularly helps keep you warm so try to have at least one hot meal a day along with regular hot drinks.

Keep your house warm and your bedroom window closed especially on cold winter nights, as breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections.

With many of us having to spend more time at home it can make it harder to keep active. It’s important to continue to do what you can to stay active as this can help with both your physical and mental health. Try to keep moving when you are indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Break up your time spent being inactive by walking around your home or standing up from your chair when you are on the phone.

If you are heading outside for a walk or maybe some gardening, wear several layers of light clothes. Remember that several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer as the layers trap warm air.

It doesn’t matter what you do to keep active, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving.