A WEATHER alert has been issued for potential fatally cold weather expected to descend on the West Somerset and Wellington areas on New Year’s Eve and stay until Thursday, January 6.

The sub-zero temperatures are likely to lead to a rise in deaths among the elderly and could also affect the health of young people.

An amber cold-health alert was issued on Wednesday (December 31) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office starting at 8 pm on New Year’s Eve and continuing until 10 am on Tuesday.

In the Wellington area, the ‘feels like’ temperature could drop to minus five degrees centigrade and not rise above plus five, while in West Somerset it was likely to vary between three degrees and minus five.

On Exmoor, there was forecast to be several days where the ‘feels like’ temperature would remain below freezing, dropping to minus seven degrees at times.

A UKHSA spokesperson said: “Expected low temperatures are likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.”

The agency has published guidance for professionals protecting vulnerable people and for the public on staying safe during periods of cold weather.

UKHSA regional health protection consultant Dr Elizabeth Smout said: “The weather is forecast to be very cold across England over the coming few days and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family, and neighbours who are most vulnerable, particularly here in the South West.

“The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.

“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.”

People have been advised to regularly check the Met Office website so they can take appropriate action if a National Severe Weather Warning, such as for snow and ice, was issued at short notice.

Advice on keeping oneself and others safe during periods of cold weather includes:

A Met Office spokesperson said the forecast for Friday to Sunday was: “Remaining cold with overnight frosts.

“Mainly dry with some sunny spells, but wintry showers likely, too, especially in the north and at times extending down western and eastern coasts.”

From Monday, cold northerly winds would be dominant across the UK bringing wintry showers to many coastlines and areas just inland.

More coherent bands of precipitation and thicker cloud would attempt to move in from the west, with a risk of snow on the leading edge of these, turning to rain.

There was a risk of further Arctic airflows following fronts to resume wintry showers, especially across northern areas of the UK.

Temperatures were expected to recover to just below average for most, though further north more likely to remain cold at times.

Somerset Council’s severe weather emergency provision (SWEP) has been activated to make sure rough sleepers can access emergency accommodation over the New Year.

Cold weather during the festive season means the council is seeking to provide emergency accommodation for those sleeping rough to prevent harm or death due to the severe weather.

Outreach teams are currently contacting rough sleepers in Somerset to encourage them to take up the offer of emergency accommodation and will offer additional support for anybody continuing to sleep rough during SWEP.

SWEP in Somerset aims to ensure that nobody dies on the streets and that every effort is made to engage individuals with support.

A council spokesperson said: “Please help to spread the message that suitable accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the severe weather over this New Year season.

“Please check if you can access the service by calling 0300 123 22 24 during office hours and 0300 123 23 27 out of office hours as early as possible.”

Anybody concerned that somebody is rough sleeping in Somerset during the sub-zero weather should visit Street Link to refer them, so they can access to suitable accommodation.