[ALERT] UKHSA Issues Amber Cold Weather Warning in Northern England; Here's What UK Residents Need to Know

UKHSA issued an amber cold weather alert in northern England as ice and snow worsen across the United Kingdom. U.K. Health Security Agency officials said that the extreme cold weather is bringing hazardous travel conditions.

The health organization said that it will work with the Met Office to place the week-long amber alert starting on Tuesday, Dec. 5. For those who are not familiar with this warning, it is a part of the new system introduced for England.

[ALERT] UKHSA Issues Amber Cold Weather Warning in Northern England; Here's What UK Residents Need to Know

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A warning triangle alerts drivers to an icy road on December 11, 2012, in Knutsford, England. Forecasters are warning that the UK could experience the coldest day of the year so far tomorrow, as temperatures could drop as low as -14C, bringing widespread ice, harsh frosts, and freezing fog.

The program went live this November because cold weather across the U.K. is not getting any better. If you are living in northern England and other parts of the United Kingdom, here's what you need to know.

UKHSA Issues Amber Cold Weather Warning in Northern England

According to The Guardian's latest report, the amber cold-health alert issued by UKHSA is the first one this 2023. It was implemented because the average temperatures are expected to be 2 degrees Celsius (35.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

Some forecasts even estimated temperatures to be colder; with icy conditions, wintry showers, and some snow. An amber cold weather alert means that the extremely cold weather conditions in the U.K. are getting worse.

In comparison, a yellow alert means that elderly and vulnerable people will only be the ones affected by the cold weather. But, an amber alert is a sign that the extremely low temperatures could be felt across the entire health service of a country for a longer period.

Experts warned that if an amber cold weather alert is issued, it means that the entire population is at risk of the extremely low average temperatures.

UKHSA Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection, Agostinho Moreira de Sousa, said that the amber cold weather warning will inform people to check the most vulnerable individuals during the cold weather.

He suggested that residents who are taking care of their elderly family members or relatives should heat the rooms and ensure that they have enough medical supplies.

What UK Residents Should Do

(Photo: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
A police officer stands in the snow as he watches protesters outside the Lindsey Oil Refinery, near Immingham, northeast England, on February 2, 2009. Wildcat strikes against foreign workers resume at oil refineries and power plants across Britain, fuelled by fears of rising job cuts amid the global slowdown.

U.K. residents, especially those residing in northern England, should know the things they must do to protect themselves and their families from the worsening cold weather.

Age U.K. provided some tips and advice that people can follow:

Make sure to get enough medical, food, water, and other essential supplies so you will no longer go out during the cold weather.
Always keep an eye on weather forecasts to know the latest updates about the worsening cold weather conditions in your area.
List down or save emergency numbers.
When going out, wear secured shoes and protective gear since the ground will be very slippery.
When driving to get supplies during the cold weather, make sure you already planned the routes you'll take.