Cold weather alert: Level 3 – cold weather action

There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather between 0900 on Wednesday 10 Jan and 0900 on Friday 12 Jan in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your Trust’s emergency plan for appropriate preventive action.

Cloud and rain pushing across the UK on Wednesday will bring a spell of milder conditions for a time. Much of the rain will clear on Wednesday evening, however cloud and some outbreaks of light rain or drizzle are likely to persist for longer over southern and eastern parts of England during Thursday and early Friday, including the East Midlands which has been reduced to a level 1. However, some colder, clearer spells are still possible in these areas, with localised frosts and some fog or freezing fog patches. Southwest England may see clearer spells, although with slightly milder day time temperatures. Across North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber and West Midlands, clearer, colder conditions are likely to be more extensive with more widespread frost during the nights and possible freezing fog patches.

An update will be issued when the alert level changes in any region. Alerts are issued once a day by 0900 if required and are not subject to amendment in between standard issue times. Note that the details of the forecast weather are valid at the time of issue but may change over the period that an alert remains in force. These details will not be updated here unless the alert level also changes, the latest forecast details can be obtained at the following link: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/#?tab=map

Level 3 Amber — Severe weather action

Triggered by the Met Office when we are experiencing weather which breaches any of the thresholds. This stage requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups.