New 7-day cold weather alert for Birmingham as temperatures set to plummet

Amber Cold-Health Alerts are in place for Birmingham and wider UK starting today (Thursday, January 2, 2024).

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the amber Cold-Health Alert (CHA) for all regions of England until midday on Wednesday, January 8, 2024.

It is the second amber CHA of the winter season; the first was issued for Birmingham on November 18, 2024, running over 24-hours.

Today’s latest weather alert takes into account plummeting temperatures which are likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people.

Lows of -3°C are expected in the coming days. These wintry conditions also mean an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions (including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases) and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.

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UKHSA has published guidance for professionals protecting vulnerable people and for the public on staying safe during periods of cold weather.

Dr Agostinho Sousa is Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA.

They said: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions.

“It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”

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Under the 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.