England to witness snowfall and rainfall

A big blow to global warming theory as Europe is shivering the coldest temperatures observed in decades. At least 300 people have lost their lives across Europe since last week as a fresh cold front might affect the continent in coming days. The countries that have been affected by these unusual low temperature includes England, Turkey, Italy, Ukraine, Slovakia, Poland and Romania. 100 people died in Ukraine alone while 40 in Poland, it is being said that many of the dead were among the homeless as night temperatures have dropped to -20 °C, in some places it has dropped beyond -30 °C.

Most deaths that have occurred are of homeless people who are freezing to death on the streets and roads, some these people were drunk. The diseases from these people are dying includes frostbite and hypothermia.

England freezing to death?

 It really could not get any worse than this, as UK’s national department had issued ‘level three cold wave alert’ that is considered the second most important warning, for whole England. Old people have been especially advised by UK-government to take precautions as there is great threat to the health of people.

This condition continued till Friday (February 3) but there is also another thing brewing for the people of England as a warm front would also enter the country on February 4 that would interact with the cold front to cause heavy snowfall in the southern and eastern parts of the United Kingdom while rainfall would occur over north and west UK. As of February 5, that thing has started to happen, warm air has approached Europe that interacted with the cold front to produce heavy snowfall to many parts of England. World’s busiest airport has canceled some 30% of its flights in the wake of forecast of 10 centimetres of snowfall that is expected to fall tonight or tomorrow.

Light snowfall in Birmingham on February 4

The above picture is of Birmingham, England contributed to PWP by our reader Adil Hussain who tells us that at about 5:00 pm everything become ‘bright yellow’ and then came the snow though it was not heavy but continued till for a long period of time. The bright yellow phenomenon must have occurred because Ambient light is reflected off the white snow. Darker objects absorb light energy resulting in less ambient light.

Outbreak of Winter flu feared in Europe

England is shaking badly!

Such extreme cold waves usually cause  frostbite and hypothermia among the people. Low temperatures are said to rise the blood pressure, which is a great concern for the people  as it puts people at a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes.

• Frostbite: It is a medical term in which the skin and tissues are damaged due to extreme cold. Frostbite is divided into First, Second, third and forth degree depending upon the condition of the skin and tissue. It could also happen due to wet clothes and wind chill.
• Hypothermia: It is defined as a core, or internal, body temperature of less than 95°F (35°C). The tragic tales of people falling into icy lakes are poignant examples of hypothermia. Anyone exposed to cold temperatures, whether for work or recreation, may be at risk of becoming too cold.

In Ukraine, the cold led to more than 800 people being treated for frostbite and hypothermia within three days.

Precautions required during cold wave;

Cold wave is as dangerous as a heat wave during the summers both of these weather phenomenons could create health problems, thus precautions should be taken during the period of intense cold;

• Strengthen your immune system.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid contact with someone who has a cold.
• Avoid antibiotics.
• Exercise regularly.
• Air-conditioning.

The below is the picture of London, heavy snowfall battered the capital on February 4, more snowfall is also forecasted. (The picture was given to PWP by our reader Mr.Shakir)

Heavy snowfall covers the cars on the streets of London

About 25,000 to 30,000 deaths are linked to the cold weather in the UK every year. So take care!