Amber cold weather alert issued for Leicestershire as -7C predicted

Temperatures will plunge across Leicestershire in the coming days

Leicestershire has been issued with a cold weather health alert as temperatures look set to plunge. The alert has been upgraded across England, such is the concern.

The warning, which now stands at amber, has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as forecasts show even colder weather coming across England in the next few days. The warning was previously yellow, but has been upgraded as all areas of England are set to be affected by the cold snap which will make everywhere feel extremely cold.

Leicestershire is not immune from the amber alert, with UKHSA officials warning that health services across the county are “likely” to be affected. It warns that this alert and risk for those needing healthcare treatment could last for an “extended period of time”.

Latest forecasts from the Met Office paint a very cold picture over the coming days. On Monday (January 15), temperatures are set to be 1C, but will feel much colder due to the alert, with forecasters saying it will feel much more like -7C in Leicester.

Temperatures across Monday will feel at least 5C less than they actually are, with conditions unlikely to improve across the week. On Tuesday (January 16), the mercury may read 3C, but will once again feel a lot chillier, standing at -2C.

Those most at risk due to the amber alert are those aged 65 and over. Those with existing medical conditions could also be seriously affected due to the cold.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “The temperatures we will see leading into the week ahead can rapidly have a serious impact on the health of those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. It is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the cold weather next week.”

No snow is predicted for Leicestershire over the coming day s. As of Sunday (January 14), this is the Met Office forecast for next week:

• Monday – 1C (feels like -7C)
• Tuesday – 3C (feels like -2C)
• Wednesday – 1C (feels like -4C)
• Thursday – 3C – (feels like -2C)
• Friday – 3C (feels like -2)
• Saturday – 2C (feels like -3C)