With temperatures expected to drop this week, an amber weather warning has been issued for the South West.

The Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued an amber cold health alert (CHA) for the South West of England and the rest of the country until 12pm on Friday, January 12. 

Under the new CHA system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, an amber alert means that cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period, with the potential for the whole population to be at risk and where other sectors may also start to observe impacts, indicating a coordinated response is required.

Falmouth Packet: The UKHSA is offering advice on how to stay warm The UKHSA is offering advice on how to stay warm (Image: UKHSA)On Friday, the Packet reported that following a period of wet weather, temperatures in Cornwall were expected to plummet this week with some areas feeling at low at -7.

After a weekend of glorious sunshine, the colder weather arrived on Sunday (January 7) with ice on the roads in some parts of the Duchy.

Cornwall Council has shared a post on its Facebook on Monday (January 8) warning the public of ice and snow throughout the Duchy from 3pm today. 

One of the coldest areas will be Bodmin, where the Met Office has predicted that the temperature will fall to -2 by Tuesday night, although it is likely to feel more like -7 due to wind chill and other factors.

Professor Dominic Mellon, regional deputy director for UKHSA South West said: “With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the UK including the South West this week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.

Falmouth Packet: Thick ice in Cornwall on Monday morning Thick ice in Cornwall on Monday morning (Image: Dianne Abraham)“Cold weather can increase the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, so it can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing health conditions.

“Temperatures are expected to turn particularly cold overnight, as we would expect at this time of year. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65 it is important to try and heat the rooms where you spend most of your time, such as your living room or bedroom, in the coming days.”

Here are the ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of cold weather:

  • Check the weather forecast and the news

  • Make sure you have sufficient food and medicine

  • Take simple measures to reduce draughts at home

  • Keep bedroom windows closed

  • Wear multiple layers of thinner clothing

  • If you’re eligible, get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19

  • Get help if needed – call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency