‘Population at risk’ as government issue rare amber cold weather health warning

Temperatures are set to drop well below zero.

This comes after the Met Office has issued a status yellow warning for snow lasting for almost two days, as temperatures are set to plummet to -10C this weekend.

The national forecaster has warned of severe frost and ice for Friday, with London potentially reaching -5C, Glasgow -6C, and both Birmingham and Manchester dropping to -7C.

The alert only covers England, and is in place until next Wednesday (8 January).

After a mild Christmas winter is back.

Much colder for the next few days with overnight frost/ice.

Snow flurries for a few, but there may be a more widespread spell of snow this weekend.

It’s complicated, but I’ll remain an @BBCBreakfast faithful & take you through the details pic.twitter.com/NSwpH8vk1y

— Matt Taylor (@MetMattTaylor) January 1, 2025

As per the Government website an amber alert "indicates that weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service, and at this level we may begin to see some health impacts across the wider population, not just the most vulnerable.

" non-health sectors may also start to observe impacts and a more significant coordinated response may be required."

A press release on the website states that there is "potential for the whole population to be at risk."

The system is in accordance with the Met Office.

Meanwhile, people are being advised to stockpile essentials including battery-powered or wind-up torches, spare batteries and back up chargers.

Scotland will face the coldest conditions with -10C expected in parts of the country, with snow expected to begin today and reach parts of the south across Saturday and Sunday.

Up to 20cm of snowfall is forecast for higher grounds of the Pennines and parts of Wales, while an Atlantic frontal system takes hold.

The Met Office describes the snow as "heavy" during this period, with the yellow warning in place between midday on Saturday and 9am on Monday.

The forecaster said: "Outbreaks of rain spreading northeastwards later on Saturday and overnight into Sunday will likely be preceded by a spell of snow on its northern flank.

"Whilst there is a fair bit of uncertainty as to how far north this may spread, and how long any snow will last, significant accumulations of snow are possible, especially on hills."

Travel delays are expected, with a possibility of power cuts in places.

Extreme weather conditions have already been responsible for disruptions to plans and public events in recent days.

On New Year's Eve, Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations, including street parties and fireworks, were cancelled due to safety concerns.

A major incident was declared in Greater Manchester yesterday, where flooding has already caused significant disruption.

Mountain rescue teams and fire services joined police efforts as cars and roads were submerged, leading to hundreds of residents being evacuated.