A yellow cold health alert has been activated for parts of the UK over the festive period, with forecasters warning of plummeting temperatures but dismissing hopes for a white Christmas.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the warning, which is active from 6pm on Christmas Day until 12pm on December 27 specifically for south-west England. The agency cautioned that the anticipated low temperatures could have minor impacts on health and social care services.
What the Cold Health Alert Means
The UKHSA stated the conditions are likely to lead to an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and pose a greater risk to life for those most susceptible to the cold. While the alert is currently at the yellow level, indicating minor impacts, it serves as a crucial warning for the public and services to prepare.
Met Office Christmas Forecast Details
Met Office spokesperson, Oli Claydon, provided the detailed outlook for the holiday. He described Christmas Day as having "pretty decent" conditions overall, with predominantly dry weather across the nation.
"There will be a bright start in the south of England and then into Wales as the cloud clears," Mr Claydon explained. "It will be cloudier further north, but some cloud breaks are expected by lunchtime, leading to sunny spells establishing in northern regions too."
He highlighted that a strong easterly wind, particularly across the south coast of England, would make it feel notably colder and "quite gusty." The shift is due to high pressure taking control, bringing settled but cooler weather.
Regarding the dream of festive snow, Mr Claydon was definitive: "It is highly unlikely that the UK will see a white Christmas this year." He noted a very dry picture, with only a slim chance of a band of rain skirting the Channel, which might clip south-west England. "The chances of any snow falling out of that are very low," he added.
Temperatures and Travel Impact
Thermometers are forecast to struggle, with highs of only around 7C in north-east England and 6C in the south or south-east. The real chill will bite overnight into Boxing Day, with frost and freezing temperatures expected in western rural areas.
Rural parts of Scotland could see lows of minus 6C, while rural Wales may drop to minus 4C.
The cold snap coincides with one of the busiest travel periods. The RAC predicted that 4.2 million festive getaway trips by car would peak on Christmas Eve. They advised drivers to avoid major roads between 1pm and 7pm if possible, with the M25 and M5 north from Gloucestershire highlighted as potential congestion hotspots.
While the weather may be crisp and clear for many, the combination of low temperatures, wind chill, and holiday travel underscores the importance of the health alert for vulnerable individuals during the Christmas break.
