### Cold Weather Health Alert Issued for Christmas Day in the UK As Christmas approaches, the UK is facing a significant drop in temperatures, prompting health authorities to issue a cold weather health alert. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that vulnerable populations are at a greater risk due to the impending cold snap. Despite the festive season, forecasters indicate that a white Christmas is highly unlikely, with much of the country expected to remain dry over the holiday period [https://www.express.co.uk/news/weather/2150352/rare-uk-cold-weather-heath], [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/cold-weather-health-warning-issued-36452891]. ### Structure of the Cold Weather Alert Situation 1. **Health Alert Issuance**: The UKHSA has issued a yellow cold health alert effective from 6 PM on Christmas Day until 12 PM on December 27, particularly affecting south-west England [https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/cold-health-alert-issued-christmas-33120067]. 2. **Temperature Forecast**: Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, with warnings of frost and cold conditions across various regions [https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/cold-health-alert-issued-christmas-33116670]. 3. **Vulnerable Populations**: Authorities emphasize that the cold weather poses a "greater risk to life" for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions [https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/risk-life-christmas-day-cold-10723461]. 4. **Weather Conditions**: While snow is not forecasted, the weather will be dominated by high pressure and colder air, leading to dry conditions but significant temperature drops [https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/parts-uk-placed-under-health-33119127]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Alert Duration**: The cold health alert is set to last from **6 PM on December 25** to **12 PM on December 27** [https://www.perspectivemedia.com/cold-health-alert-issued-for-christmas-day]. - **Temperature Expectations**: Forecasts indicate that temperatures will fall significantly, with many areas experiencing sub-zero conditions [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/cold-health-alert-issued-christmas-133814253.html]. - **Impact on Health Services**: The cold snap is expected to disrupt health services, as increased demand may arise from cold-related health issues [https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/christmas-weather-forecast-cold-health-36452249]. ### Summary of Findings In summary, the UK is bracing for a cold spell this Christmas, with a health alert issued by the UKHSA highlighting the risks to vulnerable populations. The following points encapsulate the situation: 1. **Cold Weather Alert**: A yellow cold health alert has been issued, effective from Christmas Day evening through to December 27. 2. **Temperature Concerns**: Significant drops in temperature are expected, with many areas facing freezing conditions. 3. **Vulnerable Populations at Risk**: The alert emphasizes the increased risk to vulnerable individuals, necessitating precautions. 4. **Dry Conditions Predicted**: Despite the cold, a white Christmas is deemed unlikely, with dry weather prevailing across much of the UK. The situation calls for heightened awareness and preparedness as the festive season unfolds amidst these challenging weather conditions [https://parliamentnews.co.uk/white-christmas-unlikely-as-uk-issues-cold-health-alert], [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/white-christmas-uk-unlikely-cold-132952027.html].