Latest forecast for Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford as level 2 cold weather alert is issued for Christmas Day - this is what you need to know

A level 2 cold weather alert has been issued for large areas of Yorkshire, including the Wakefield district. But what does this mean, and how can you prepare?
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Issued by Public Health England, cold weather alerts are designed to give advanced warning of adverse weather conditions that could have a significant effect on health and well-being.

People are encouraged to take extra precautions to keep safe while the alerts are in place, such as checking on vulnerable friends and neighbours, keeping food and medications in stock and ensuring homes are adequately heated.

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A level 2 cold weather alert, such as the one which has been issued for Wakefield, means the temperature is expected to fall below 2 degrees Celsius for 48 hours or longer, and there is an increased risk of heavy snow and widespread ice.

A level 2 cold weather alert has been issued for large areas of Yorkshire, including the Wakefield district. But what does this mean, and how can you prepare? Pictured is Sandal Castle covered in snow in 2018.A level 2 cold weather alert has been issued for large areas of Yorkshire, including the Wakefield district. But what does this mean, and how can you prepare? Pictured is Sandal Castle covered in snow in 2018.
A level 2 cold weather alert has been issued for large areas of Yorkshire, including the Wakefield district. But what does this mean, and how can you prepare? Pictured is Sandal Castle covered in snow in 2018.

Public Health England says there is a 70 per cent change that these criteria will be met between 1am today (Thursday, December 24) and 11pm on Friday, December 25.

The level 2 cold weather alert is in place across Yorkshire & the Humber, North West England, North East England, the West Midlands and East Midlands.

Dr Mike Gent, Deputy Director Health Protection (Yorkshire and the Humber), Public Health England, said: “Cold weather can be bad for your health. Heat your home to 18 Celsius if you can, particularly if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease.

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“If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed. Wearing a few layers of thin clothing is better at trapping heat than one thick layer and will help to keep you warm.

People are encouraged to take extra precautions to keep safe while the alerts are in place, such as checking on vulnerable friends and neighbours, keeping food and medications in stock and ensuring homes are adequately heated.People are encouraged to take extra precautions to keep safe while the alerts are in place, such as checking on vulnerable friends and neighbours, keeping food and medications in stock and ensuring homes are adequately heated.
People are encouraged to take extra precautions to keep safe while the alerts are in place, such as checking on vulnerable friends and neighbours, keeping food and medications in stock and ensuring homes are adequately heated.

“If you are struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that could help you keep warm and well.

“Looking out for others at this time is also really important. Remember to check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses, remembering COVID-19 social distancing, to make sure they are safe, warm and well.”

What is the forecast for Wakefield?

The Met Office forecast for Wakefield is as follows.

​Today (Christmas Eve): "A windy day with sunny spells but also coastal showers spreading inland, these turning wintry over hills. Northerly winds will be strong, especially along the coast, giving a cold feel to the day. Maximum temperature 6 °C."

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Tonight: "Any showers will slowly die away and become confined to the coast. A dry and largely clear night with lighter winds will follow, allowing a widespread frost to develop. Minimum temperature -3 °C."

Friday: "A frosty but sunny start to Christmas Day. Any coastal showers will die away however it'll become increasingly cloudy, with patchy light rain and stronger winds in the evening. Maximum temperature 5 °C."

You can view more advice on the Met Office website here.