Eight-day amber cold-health alert issued for the North East

The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), is in effect from 8pm on Sunday (December 28) until 12pm on Monday, January 5.

UKHSA says forecast conditions are likely to cause significant impacts, particularly for older people and those with existing health conditions.

The alert carries a risk score of 12, with both impact and likelihood rated as medium.

Potential impacts include:

• A rise in deaths, especially among people aged 65 and over or those with underlying health conditions
• Increased demand on NHS and social care services
• Indoor temperatures in hospitals, care homes and clinics falling below recommended levels
• Difficulties maintaining the advised minimum indoor temperature of 18°C, increasing risks for vulnerable people
• Staffing pressures, including travel disruption
• Knock-on effects to other sectors such as transport and energy

Durham County Council urged residents to remain vigilant, saying: “An amber cold health alert has been issued for the North East from 8pm tonight (Sunday 28 December) to midday on Monday 5 January. Please take care and look out for family, friends, and neighbours, including elderly and vulnerable people.”

Residents are encouraged to check in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives, ensure homes are adequately heated, and seek medical advice if cold-related health concerns arise.

What is the weather forecast looking like over the coming few days in the North East?

Today: A dry day, with plenty of cloud throughout. A few breaks in the cloud may develop, with the best of any brighter spells likely in the west. Light winds expected. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Tonight: Staying dry with a good deal of cloud for the evening and overnight. However, the northeasterly winds will bring colder temperatures with frost likely in many places. Minimum temperature -1 °C.

Monday: Dry but dull to start, though some showers may move in from the north in the afternoon. Mostly light winds, though stronger along the coast. Frost likely overnight. Maximum temperature 6 °C.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday: Mostly dry and cloudy with light winds on Tuesday. Some brighter spells but blustery winds along the coast on Wednesday. Gusty winds and wintry showers are possible on Thursday.