Public health bosses are warning people in Salford to take extra care as temperatures plunge below zero.
A level 3 Cold Weather Alert has been issued by by the Met Office from the evening of Thursday 14 January into Tuesday 19 January.
READ: Cold weather on the way: Frost and freezing temperatures by Friday
By Saturday in Salford, the average temperature could drop as low as -5°C.
Advice from the Met Office states that prolonged periods of cold weather can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases.
Forecasters said today: “Spells of sleet and snow that start the period will give way to cold, crisp days and sharp overnight frosts.
“Frosts may also be severe at times. As winds fall there is an increasing risk of freezing fog patches forming overnight.
“Locally where freezing fog lingers temperatures may stay sub-zero all day. Cold weather currently looks set to last into early next week. At this stage, it appears that the weather may then turn less cold during the middle of next week.”
“This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services,” says the Met Office.
A Level 3 alert, or amber warning, is the second-most serious action the Met Office can issue, one level below a red warning or ‘National Emergency’.
Now health experts at the North West office of Public Health England have urged people to take extra care.
Level 3 alerts are issued when severe weather is on the way, when average temperatures have dropped to 2°C or below, or when widespread ice and heavy snow is present.
Dr Rosemary Mc Cann, Deputy Director for Health Protection, PHE North West said: “The Met Office says that many places are going to feel really cold for the next few days so it’s very important people take extra care when out and about.
“It’s worth remembering that while most outdoor slips, trips and falls in weather like this are of those who are of working age, accidents can happen to anyone.
“If you are not mobile, have a long term illness or are over 65, and check weather forecasts and plan your day around them.
“Also take some time to think about how the bad weather may affect your friends and family, particularly if they are older or very young or have pre-existing health conditions. These groups can be particularly vulnerable. Remember that older people may not go outside to the shops, to hospital appointments and so on when weather is bad, so think what you could do to help them.
“Although most of our advice on keeping warm and well in cold weather may seem like common sense, it’s important to remember that cold kills, even in places where the temperatures aren’t at their lowest.”
Top tips to prepare for colder weather:
** Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food, drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately
** Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over
** Stay tuned for online weather forecasts and alerts, ensure you are stocked with food and medications in advance (have deliveries or ask a friend to help)
** Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold related illness or falls
** Discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from in front of your house and public walkways nearby, if unable to do so yourself
Main image © Eddie Smith Photography
