A yellow cold health alert has been activated for parts of the UK over the festive period, with health officials warning of increased risks to vulnerable individuals. The warning comes as the Met Office stated it is 'highly unlikely' the nation will experience a white Christmas this year.
Details of the Cold Health Alert
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has implemented the alert for south-west England. It will be active from 6pm on Christmas Day until 12pm on December 27.
The agency cautioned that the anticipated low temperatures could have a minor impact on health and social care services. This includes an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and presents a greater risk to life for those in vulnerable groups.
Christmas Day Weather Forecast
Met Office spokesman, Oli Claydon, provided a detailed outlook for Christmas Day. He described conditions as 'pretty decent' with predominantly dry weather across the country.
'On Christmas Day there will be a bright start in the south of England and then into Wales as the cloud clears,' Mr Claydon told the Press Association. 'It will be cloudier further north, but some cloud breaks will start to appear by lunchtime, with good sunny spells establishing later.'
He highlighted that a strong easterly wind, particularly along the south coast of England, will make it feel notably chilly. High pressure is now in control, bringing settled but cooler conditions than recently experienced.
Temperatures and Travel Disruption
Mr Claydon confirmed the highest temperatures on Christmas Day are expected to be around 7°C in north-east England and 6°C in the south or south-east. However, frost and freezing temperatures are likely overnight into Boxing Day.
Rural parts of Scotland could see temperatures as low as minus 6°C, with rural areas of Wales potentially dropping to minus 4°C.
Regarding travel, the RAC predicted that festive getaway trips by car would peak on Christmas Eve, with an estimated 4.2 million journeys. A spokesperson advised that traffic is expected to be heaviest on major roads between 1pm and 7pm, urging longer-distance drivers to set out earlier if possible.
Roads likely to experience congestion include the clockwise northern and western sections of the M25 from mid-morning, and the M5 north from Gloucestershire towards the West Midlands later in the afternoon.
While the weather remains dry and settled, the combination of cold temperatures, frost, and significant holiday traffic means the public are advised to stay informed of the latest health and travel advice over the Christmas period.
