Bedfordshire braces for week-long cold health alert as temperatures plummet
An amber health alert has been issued as Bedfordshire prepares for a prolonged spell of cold weather over the coming week.
The lingering Artic air has meant that the UK Health Security Agency’s alert is in place from 8pm this evening (January 2) until 10am on next Friday (January 9).
The amber cold-health alert means that cold weather is likely to across the health and social care sector, with the potential for the whole population to be at risk.
The forecasted low temperatures also mean a increase in the use of health care services by vulnerable people and an increase in risk to health for those aged 65 years and over, and with serious underlying health conditions, or those who are sleeping rough.
Weather experts predict daytime temperatures will struggle to climb above the low single figures (around 1 to 4°C), with night-time lows going well below freezing at times. While there is no heavy snow forecast, there will be frost and icy conditions after some wintry showers.
People are asked to check in on elderly neighbours and family, to take extra care on roads.