Health warning issued as temperatures plunge in Leicestershire

A Leicestershire field including a tree during winter as it gets colder
-Credit:© Chris Lapsley


Health chiefs have warned of a potential rise in deaths as a cold weather alert remains in force across Leicestershire. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has put the East Midlands under a cold health alert, with vulnerable people most at risk from plummeting temperatures.

The yellow warning, which came into force at 6pm yesterday (Friday, January 17), remains in place until 9am on Tuesday (January 21). UKHSA officials said the cold snap could have "significant impacts" across health and social care services in the region, with older people and those with underlying health conditions most at risk.

Temperatures across Leicestershire are set to remain low throughout the weekend, with Sunday (January 19) seeing temperatures hovering between just 1C and 4C. The Met Office forecasts that temperatures will feel as cold as -2C between 4am and 5am tomorrow morning.

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UKHSA officials have warned that conditions will make it harder for vulnerable people to keep their homes warm. The cold weather alert covers for all regions except South West England.

Health bosses say the cold snap could lead to increased deaths among over-65s and those with health conditions. While temperatures are expected to rise slightly by Monday afternoon to 4C, the Met Office forecasts show they will still feel close to freezing at just 1C during the morning hours.

Forecasters say the cold conditions will continue into next week, with Tuesday (January 21) seeing early morning temperatures of 2C, rising to a high of 5C by mid-afternoon.

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