Articles by Felix Armstrong

Health

Cold snap to bring -7°C temperatures and possibly snow as health alerts issued

Cold weather warnings have been issued for parts of the North and the Midlands as freezing temperatures are expected to follow Storm Claudia next week. A brisk Arctic wind will push temperatures as low as -7°C as emergency services continue to deal with severe flooding in South Wales after the area was battered by Storm Claudia. The UK Health Security Agency has issued cold health alerts for the North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the East and West Midlands. These alerts come into force at 8am tomorrow and will last until Friday, warning of a potential risk of death to elderly and the unwell, increased demand for healthcare, and impacts on the workforce. Dan Holley, Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, said: “As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK. “This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice. “There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7°C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country.” Last night was the coldest in the United Kingdom since 20 March this year, as temperatures reached -7°C in Tulloch Bridge, Scotland. Following weeks of mild conditions, the cold northerly flow of air from the Arctic means temperatures will drop below zero in some areas. Daytime temperatures will remain in the single figures across the country next week, the Met Office said. Cold air is already affecting Scotland – with below-freezing temperatures expected in some areas tonight – but will cover the whole of the country by the start of the week. Drier conditions are also expected next week, following the recent heavy rain caused by Storm Claudia. Snow could reach areas of the South but will be limited to one or two centimetres and is unlikely to settle. Temperatures are expected to become milder towards next weekend, the Met Office said. A major incident was declared in South Wales yesterday as Storm Claudia brought “widespread” flooding to Monmouth and surrounding communities. Flooding hit business and homes after the River Monnow burst its banks, and fire crews helped more than 50 people to safety, the BBC reported. Emergency services are continuing to deal with the aftermath of flooding today, as four severe flood warnings imposed by Natural Resources Wales remained in place on Sunday morning. South Wales Fire and Rescue area manager Matt Jones urged people to avoid the Monmouth area as fast-moving water, blocked roads and pressure on infrastructure persisted. He said: “This is a large-scale incident, and our crews and partners have been working tirelessly through the night and into today to help those affected. “I want to thank everyone involved for the professionalism and care they continue to show in very difficult circumstances.” Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: “My heart goes out to everyone affected by the flooding caused by Storm Claudia, particularly those whose homes and businesses have been impacted. “The weather may be more settled, but there remains a risk of ongoing river flooding. I urge the public to continue following local advice, avoid driving through flood water, and stay prepared.” In Ireland, thousands of homes and businesses were without power on Saturday morning, with dramatic flooding reported in Portarlington, on the border of counties Laois and Offaly. Storm Claudia also hit Portugal, killing an 85-year-old British woman and injuring dozens more in a holiday campsite in Albufeira.