A yellow cold health alert has been activated for parts of England over the festive period, with authorities warning of potential impacts on vulnerable individuals and health services.
Alert Details and Health Warnings
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the alert specifically for south-west England. It will be active from 6pm on Christmas Day until 12pm on December 27.
The agency stated that the anticipated low temperatures could have minor impacts on health and social care provision. This includes an increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and presents a greater risk to life for those in vulnerable groups.
Christmas Weather Forecast
Despite the cold alert, the Met Office has indicated that a white Christmas is highly unlikely across the UK this year. Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon described Christmas Day conditions as "pretty decent" with mainly dry weather prevailing.
"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."
He highlighted that a strong easterly wind, particularly across the south coast of England, would make it feel quite gusty. High pressure is now in control, bringing settled but cooler conditions.
The highest temperatures on Christmas Day are forecast to be around 7C in north-east England and 6C in south or south-east England. However, frost and freezing temperatures are likely in western rural areas overnight into Boxing Day.
- Possible lows of minus 6C in rural Scotland.
- Possible lows of minus 4C in rural Wales.
Mr Claydon added that the UK is experiencing a very dry spell, with only a small band of rain skirting the Channel on Christmas Day having a slight chance of clipping the south-west. The likelihood of this bringing any snow is described as "very low".
Travel and Road Advice
The RAC has predicted that festive getaway trips by car will peak on Christmas Eve, with an estimated 4.2 million journeys planned. They noted that regular commuter traffic is likely to be far lighter.
An RAC spokesperson advised: "Traffic is expected to be heaviest on major roads between 1pm and 7pm, so our advice to drivers – especially those travelling longer distances – is to set out before this time if possible."
Roads expected to see significant congestion include:
- The clockwise northern and western sections of the M25 from mid-morning.
- The M5 north from Gloucestershire towards the West Midlands later in the afternoon.
With the combination of colder weather, potential frost, and increased holiday traffic, drivers are urged to plan their journeys carefully, allow extra time, and ensure their vehicles are prepared for winter conditions.
