First cold weather health alert for Shropshire winter

Shropshire residents are being warned to brace for plummeting temperatures as the MET Office issues its first alert of the winter.

The yellow cold health alert has been issued for the whole of the West Midlands.

It starts at 9am tomorrow - Thursday, November 12, and is set to last until noon on Saturday, November 14.

The MET has warned that the forecast weather “is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services”.

It specifically said that the temperatures could lead to increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, and greater risk to life of vulnerable people - including those sleeping rough.

The MET forecast predicts temperatures to drop below freezing, to minus one, at points on both Thursday and Friday.

The UK Health Security Agency said: “Low temperatures can result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people and an increased 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.”

Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, encouraged people to keep homes heated and dress warmly - as well as check in on vulnerable friends and family.

She said: “This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season.

“Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable.

“We’re also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall. Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather.”

Information and advice is available from the MET Office online.