An amber cold health alert has been issued for the West Midlands region from 12pm today (Thursday, January 2) to 12pm on Wednesday (January 8) by the UK Health Security Agency.
The region includes Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands county.
A spokesperson for the UKHSA said: “Forecast weather is expected to have severe impacts across health and social care services.
“This includes a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
“We may also see impacts on younger age groups.”
Other impacts include an increase in demand for health services, temperatures inside places like hospitals, care homes and clinics dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks, and staffing issues.
Read more: Yellow warning for snow issued for Worcestershire
Read more: Milestone in empty council car parks fiasco
A yellow warning for cold weather was issued by the UKHSA on Tuesday (December 31) until Saturday (January 4), which has been replaced with the newer, more serious warning.
On Wednesday (January 1), the Met Office placed a yellow warning for snow and ice on much of the UK from Saturday (January 4) until Monday (January 6).
This warning has since been reduced to just cover the weekend.