UKHSA cold-health alerts winter 2026/27
UKHSA has issued yellow cold-health alerts for parts of England, warning vulnerable groups of potential health risks during cold weather from mid-November.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold-health alert (CHA) for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions in England. The alert will be active from 9pm on Sunday 15 November until 9am on Thursday 19 November. Under the Weather Health Alerting system, yellow alerts indicate periods of cold that may affect vulnerable individuals but are unlikely to impact most people. The alert applies only to specified regions, with other areas currently unaffected.
UKHSA advises that low temperatures can increase healthcare service usage among vulnerable people and pose greater risks to those aged 65 and over, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and certain vulnerable groups, including those sleeping rough. The agency has published guidance for professionals and the public on protecting health during cold weather. This marks the latest in a series of cold-health alerts expected as winter progresses.
The first cold-health alert of the 2026/27 winter season was issued for the North West and West Midlands regions, running from 9am on Thursday 12 November until 12pm on Saturday 14 November. UKHSA emphasises that cold weather can seriously affect the health of older adults and those with pre-existing conditions, urging communities to check on vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family.
UKHSA reminds the public to take practical steps to stay warm and healthy during colder weather, such as heating frequently used rooms and dressing warmly. While cold-health alerts focus on health impacts for vulnerable groups in England, broader severe weather warnings are provided by the National Severe Weather Warning Service (NSWWS) across the UK. The UKHSA Blog explains the differences between Weather-Health Alerts and NSWWS.