Overview
- The alert covers the North West until Monday, January 5, with cold conditions expected to persist.
- UKHSA says the cold raises risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for over-65s and people with pre-existing conditions.
- Blackburn with Darwen Council urges residents to keep homes at or above 18°C and to check on older or vulnerable neighbours for warmth, food, medication and essentials.
- People needing urgent medical help are advised to use NHS 111 for assessment, with services expected to see increased demand.
- Snow is forecast this weekend in the area, and an amber alert signals likely impacts across health services that call for a coordinated response.