North East weather: Amber cold-health alert extended

As a blast of Arctic air has swept the UK causing days of freezing temperatures, snow and ice, it was originally upgraded from a yellow alert and put in place until Friday, January 19 at midday.

But as of today (January 18) it has been extended until midday on Saturday, January 20.

What does the amber cold-health alert mean for the North East?

In this cold weather, don’t forget to look out for anyone close to you who might struggle with the drop in temperature. ❄🌡Stay up to date with the latest weather warnings from @metoffice

More info: https://t.co/owJjSKSfyR#ColdWeather #WeatherReady #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/iuoPB2Qy5X

— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) January 18, 2024

UKHSA explained: “Under the new CHA system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, an amber alert means that cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time, with potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors may also start to observe impacts, indicating a coordinated response is required.”

When the latest cold-health alert was upgraded to amber on January 14, Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “The temperatures we will see leading into the week ahead can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

“It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week.”

How to drive safely in snow and ice

According to provisional recordings by the Met Office, the mercury fell to minus -14C in Dalwhinnie in Scotland on Tuesday night (January 16), reportedly the lowest January temperature in Britain since 2019.

Recommended reading:

• County Durham to expect strong winds as Met Office issues yellow weather warning
• North East weather: Hour-by-hour Met Office weather forecast today

North East issued with yellow weather warning for strong winds of up to 70mph

Further weather warnings have since been announced for the North East due to strong winds expected on Sunday (January 21) until Monday (January 22).

The Met Office has issued a 24-hour yellow weather warning for wind, which will be in place across County Durham and other parts of the region from Sunday at 6am until Monday at 6am.

Many areas are likely to see southwesterly wind gusts to around 50-60 mph and gusts may reach 60-70 mph for coastal locations.