Public health

We have developed a number of services with the Department of Health to produce national services that will help lessen the effect of extreme weather conditions on people’s health.

Cold warning service

In the UK there are, on average, 25,000 extra deaths in winter compared to other months of the year — 80% are thought to be due to the cold. The cold can cause physiological effects such as thicker blood; increases in blood pressure and tightening of the airways — making people who already have chronic conditions even more vulnerable. There is a link between the onset of cold weather and deaths from both heart attacks and respiratory illnesses. Older people are particularly at risk as they do not feel the cold until their body temperature falls.

During Winter 2008/09 we worked with the Department of Health, running a pilot of a cold warning system in the north west of England. When extremely cold conditions were forecast, alerts were sent to relevant health professionals and people working in many aspects of social care — from housing and planning to care associations. This enabled them to take measures to protect people in their care. The pilot was successful and an improved service is being considered for Winter 2009/10.

Heatwave plan

Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young, the very old or those with a chronic disease. Prolonged exposure to very high temperatures can mean the body is unable to reduce its own temperature, causing dehydration and heatstroke, which can be fatal. In particular, hot temperatures overnight make it difficult for the body to cool.

Each year, from 1 June to 15 September, a Heat-Health Watch system operates in England and Wales, run in association with the Department of Health and Welsh Assembly.

The Met Office forecasts day-time and night-time maximum temperatures. These are monitored regionally. When certain heat thresholds are passed, a warning is sent to relevant health professionals and people working in social care, so they can take action to minimise the impact of the heat on the health of people in their area.

UV service

The Met Office currently provides a UV Index forecast for regions in the UK in the summer. The forecast takes into account sun position, cloud cover and stratospheric ozone. The index is a 1–11 scale developed by the World Heath Organization (WHO).

UV index

Index	Exposure
1–2	Low
3–5	Moderate
6-7	High
8–10	Very high
11	Extreme

The aim of the index is to warn people of increased risk and encourage them change their behaviour in order to protect themselves against the risks of skin cancer and skin damage.

What to do in severe weather