A local authority has advised elderly and vulnerable residents to 'wiggle their fingers and toes' to help stay warm, as a severe Arctic cold snap is forecast to bring temperatures as low as -8C to Britain.
Council's Winter Safety Guidance
The advice was published online by Durham County Council, which is led by the Reform party, ahead of a predicted week-long freeze. The council's winter safety guidance emphasised several key actions for vulnerable people during the cold spell.
The recommendations include keeping moving, even while seated, by wiggling fingers and toes, and avoiding sitting still for more than an hour indoors. Other advice focuses on eating regular hot meals and drinks, dressing in several layers of loose clothing, and using walking aids to prevent falls.
The council also urged the community to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may not have been seen for a few days or who have kept their curtains closed, as a simple welfare measure.
Nationwide Health Alerts Issued
This local advice coincides with official cold health warnings issued at a national level. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated alerts for all regions of England.
An amber cold health alert, indicating significant impact, is in force for the North East and North West of England. This covers Northumberland, County Durham, Cumbria, Lancashire, and Cheshire from 8pm on Sunday, December 28 until midday on Friday, January 5.
A less severe yellow alert covers the rest of England, including the East and West Midlands, the South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. In these yellow alert areas, temperatures are expected to drop to 4-6C from New Year's Day.
Serious Health Risks Forecast
The UKHSA has warned that the coming weather is likely to severely strain health and social care services. The agency predicts a potential rise in deaths among people aged 65 and over and those with existing health conditions.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, explained the dangers. "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," he stated.
Additional risks highlighted by the UKHSA include indoor temperatures in hospitals and care homes falling below recommended levels, challenges in maintaining a safe 18C in homes, and potential disruptions to staffing and transport.
Weather Shift After Mild December
The cold warnings follow an unseasonably mild start to December, which even saw daffodils blooming early. However, the Met Office confirms a sharp change is imminent.
Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said, "We're losing this sort of settled but chilly conditions, and bringing in something a little bit more showery with more wintry hazards in the forecast, particularly for the north of the country."
The combination of official warnings and local council advice underscores the serious public health challenge posed by the incoming Arctic conditions, with a particular focus on protecting society's most vulnerable members.
