Nottinghamshire is bracing for a sharp turn in the rainfall as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issues a fresh 96-hour Cold Health Alert, advising that the incoming icy spell could push original health and care services under added pressure.
The alert, which covers the East Midlands as well as several other regions across England, comes into force at 8 am on Monday, November 17, and remains active until 8 am on Friday.
It follows days of unsettled conditions after Storm Claudia drenched the county, causing flooding, disrupting trips, and widespread enterprises for residents.
Now, as the storm moves down, the focus shifts to a major temperature drop, with predictions intimating at snow, ice, and a bitter northerly wind sweeping across the UK.
With the rainfall cast showing snow pitfalls for Nottinghamshire, residents are being prompted to stay put.
BBC Weather suggests the county could see sleet by Thursday, November 20, while the Met Office says the UK has formerly endured its coldest night since March.
Numerous areas are anticipated to wake up to widespread frost, with temperatures staying well below normal for this time of year.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley explained the sudden shift: “As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the north west will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK.
This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days, there will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.
There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as minus 7C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country.
Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill. This will be a notable change in our weather after a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures.
People should keep an eye on the forecast in their area as warnings may be issued for snow and ice at times.”
With the cold snap arriving straight after heavy rainfall, roads could become treacherous. RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson warned drivers to take extra care as early morning conditions worsen.
“There’s potential for freezing temperatures to make roads hit by heavy rain very slippery with a chance of ice.
We expect breakdown volumes to be around 10% higher than what’s normal for this time of year, which equates to around 1,000 more people needing our help each day.
Normal indicators of autumn, like fallen leaves on the road, can also become very hazardous in icy conditions as they create an extra layer between tyres and the road surface, increasing the likelihood of skidding.”
What does the Cold Health Alert mean for Nottinghamshire?
The UKHSA says the cold spell could have significant impacts across the region, including:
- an increase in cold-related deaths, especially among older residents or people with existing health conditions
- rising demand for NHS services, GP appointments, and emergency care
- workforce challenges for hospitals, care homes, and community services
- More households are struggling to heat their homes to the recommended 18°C, heightening risks for vulnerable groups
Original authorities are prompting people to check on senior neighbours, ensure homes are duly heated, and pay redundant attention to rainfall updates, especially as snow and icy conditions could strike with little notice.
