Yellow cold health alert issued as temperatures fall across Sussex

A yellow cold health alert has been issued for the South East, including Sussex, as temperatures drop and health risks increase for vulnerable groups.

The UK Health Security Agency said the alert, in place from November 17 until 8am on Saturday, November 22, warns of significant impacts on health and social care services. The agency expects a rise in deaths, particularly among older people and those with existing medical conditions, as well as potential impacts on younger groups struggling to maintain indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C.

Local authorities have confirmed that gritters will be deployed across East and West Sussex. In Worthing, temperatures are forecast to fall to 2C today, with the coldest conditions expected on Thursday, November 20, when the Met Office predicts lows of -1C.