News story

Cold weather alert issued by UKHSA

Regular updates on cold weather and how to stay well during low temperatures.

Latest update

As of Monday 13 March, the level 3 cold weather alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been extended until 9am on Thursday 16 March for the North East of England, North West of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber. A level 2 cold weather alert is in place for the West Midlands, East Midlands and East of England for the same period.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:

As cold weather persists throughout the rest of the week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.

Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18°C if you can.

Previous

Wednesday 8 March 2023

As of Wednesday 8 March, the level 3 cold weather alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been extended until 9am on Monday 13 March.

Monday 6 March 2023

As of Monday 6 March, all regions of England are now under a level 3 cold weather alert. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), is in place between 1am on Monday 6 March and midnight on Thursday 9 March.

Friday 3 March 2023

As of Friday 3 March, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated the cold weather alert issued on Thursday 2 March.

The North East of England, North West of England and Yorkshire are now under a level 3 alert, while the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, the South East and the South West regions remain at level 2. The current alert is in place between 1am on Monday 6 March and midnight on Thursday 9 March.

Thursday 2 March 2023

With low temperatures and wintry showers forecast across England from Monday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office and UKHSA are warning that all regions of England will experience cold weather from 1am on Monday 6 March to midnight on Wednesday 8 March.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:

During periods like this, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather, as it can have a serious impact on health.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18°C if you can.’

Chris Almond, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

Although we’ve moved into meteorological spring there will be a distinctly wintry feel to our weather next week. Very cold air will spread across the UK bringing snow showers even to sea level in the north on Monday and these snow showers could spread further south on Tuesday.

With freezing overnight temperatures and the risk of ice, it is likely weather warnings will be issued for Monday and Tuesday once the detail of potential impacts becomes clearer, so keep an eye on the Met Office forecast.

UKHSA has supplemented the cold weather plan for England with useful resources and advice on the risks of cold weather and tips for staying warm and well this winter.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Monday 6 February 2023

As of Monday 6 February, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current level 2 cold weather alert until midday on Wednesday 8 February.

3 February 2023

With low temperatures and widespread overnight frosts forecast across England from Sunday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office and UKHSA are warning that all regions of England will experience cold weather from 6pm on Sunday 5 February to 6pm on Tuesday 7 February.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, with older people and those with heart or lung conditions particularly at risk.

It’s important to check in on family, friends and relatives who are more vulnerable to the cold weather. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18°C if you can.

David Oliver, a Deputy Chief forecaster at the Met Office, said:

From Sunday and into early next week an area of high pressure will dominate the UK’s weather. This will bring some cold nights with a widespread frost across the country. However, by day temperatures will recover to around mid-single figures, near normal for the time of year.

UKHSA has supplemented the cold weather plan for England with useful resources and advice on the risks of cold weather and tips for staying warm and well this winter.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

26 January 2023

As of Thursday 26 January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current level 3 cold weather alert until midday on Saturday 28 January.

23 January 2023

As of Monday 23 January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current level 3 cold weather alert until 9am on Friday 27 January.

20 January 2023

As of Friday 20 January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current level 3 cold weather alert until 9am on Wednesday 25 January.

18 January 2023

As of Wednesday 18 January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current level 3 cold weather alert until 9am on Monday 23 January.

16 January 2023

With a risk of icy conditions and some snow across the country this week, UKHSA is encouraging people to stay warm and to look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that all of England will experience cold weather from 9am on Monday 16 January to 9am on Friday 20 January.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:

Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly older people and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

During this period, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18°C if you can.

Jason Kelly, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

Cold, icy and sometimes snowy conditions are in the forecast this week with the UK seeing more of a north-westerly regime, with temperatures well below average for the time of year. Wintry showers are likely at points through the week in the north of England.

Warnings have been issued and ice is likely to be a hazard for much of the week with some tricky travel conditions possible. Maximum temperatures will largely only reach the low single figures with temperatures below freezing through most nights this week.

UKHSA has supplemented the cold weather plan for England with useful resources and advice on the risks of cold weather and tips for staying warm and well this winter.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

16 December 2022

UKHSA extends cold weather alert in all regions of England

Further to the extension of the cold weather alert issued on 14 December, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to encourage people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk as freezing conditions persist across the country.

The Met office had previously issued the alert for all regions of England until midday on Sunday 18 December, and this has now been extended a further 12 hours until midnight on Sunday 18 December.

14 December 2022

UKHSA extends cold weather alert in all regions of England

Further to the cold weather alert issued on 9 December, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to encourage people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk as freezing conditions persist across the country.

The Met Office is warning that all regions of England will continue to experience cold weather from 9am on Wednesday 14 December to midday on Sunday 18 December.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:

As this period of cold weather persists throughout the rest of the week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold, including those over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Try to heat the rooms you use the most to at least 18°C if you can and keep your bedroom window shut at night.

Paul Gundersen, a Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said:

Over the last week, the UK has been in a northerly airflow bringing cold, sometimes Arctic air, to the UK.

We will still have this northerly influence to our weather patterns until the weekend, but then the cold conditions will lose exclusive dominance over the UK’s weather and we will move into a more changeable regime with relatively mild and relatively cold conditions vying for supremacy.

9 December 2022

UKHSA extends cold weather alert in all regions of England

Further to the cold weather alert issued on 5 December, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is again encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk as freezing conditions persist across the country.

The Met Office is warning that all regions of England will continue to experience cold weather from 9am on Friday 9 December to 9am on Friday 16 December.

Steve Willington, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

It is staying cold with daytime temperatures remaining only a few degrees above freezing in many places over the coming days and overnight temperatures dropping to -10°C or lower in isolated spots. Although below average, these temperatures are not that unusual for this time of year.

There is still a risk we could see some freezing fog in places particularly southern England, especially for Sunday and Monday mornings. And there is also a small risk of a band of sleet or snow moving into the far south-east on Sunday. If this happens it could potentially bring some disruption, especially to rush hour on Monday. A warning has been issued.

5 December 2022

UKHSA issues cold weather alert for England

With low temperatures and potentially severe overnight frosts forecast across all parts of England from Wednesday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office and UKHSA are warning that all regions of England will experience severe cold weather starting on the evening of Wednesday 7 December.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. Try to heat the rooms you use most, such as the living and bedroom, to at least 18°C if you can and keep your bedroom windows closed at night.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, said:

Temperatures will start to dip this week, with daytime temperatures struggling to get above freezing in many places from mid-week onwards. However, the cold air from the Arctic will also bring brighter conditions, with some dry, sunny spells in many areas, particularly away from the coast.

UKHSA has supplemented the cold weather plan for England with useful resources and advice on the risks of cold weather and tips for staying warm and well this winter.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing several layers of thinner clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

17 February 2022

UKHSA issues cold weather alert for northern regions of England

With icy conditions and heavy snow forecast across the north of England from Friday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that the North West, North East and Yorkshire and Humber regions will experience cold weather from midnight on Thursday 17 February to 9am on Saturday 19 February.

Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

Remind those most vulnerable to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit, particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition. Should they need to go outside, it’s important for them to wear shoes with a good grip.

Helen Caughey, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

Temperatures are expected to fluctuate around average over the next few days. While milder conditions are expected to dominate in the south, temperatures will be colder in northern England.

Storm Eunice will bring snow to some northern areas on Friday and the very windy conditions will contribute towards a marked wind chill. Widespread frost is probable on Saturday morning.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and coronavirus (COVID-19) and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

Friday 21 January 2022

UKHSA extends cold weather alert in southern regions of England

Further to the cold weather alert issued on 18 January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is again encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk as freezing conditions persist across the south of England.

The Met Office is warning that the East, South East and South West regions of the country will all experience cold weather from 9am on Friday 21 January to 9am on Wednesday 26 January.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Neil Armstrong, said:

With the extent of overnight cloud increasing in many places across the UK, the forecast shows that frost and sub-zero temperatures will become more confined to areas with clearer skies for the next few days, notably sheltered parts of Wales, southern and eastern England, and parts of eastern Scotland.

This is an update to the cold weather alert issued on 18 January, which can be found below.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

Tuesday 18 January 2022

UKHSA issues cold weather alert for central and southern England

With freezing conditions and widespread frosts forecast across central and southern England this week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that the West Midlands, East Midlands, East, South East, and South West regions will experience cold weather from 6pm on Wednesday 19 January to 9am on Sunday 23 January.

Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

Remind vulnerable relatives and neighbours to heat their home to at least 18°C – particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 or older, or have a health condition. Should they need to go outside, it’s important for them to wear shoes with a good grip.

Steve Ramsdale, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said:

A change in conditions brings cold air to the UK, spreading from the north later on Wednesday then lingering over England and Wales for the rest of the week and into the weekend.

With easing winds and good clear spells, a widespread frost is likely on Thursday and Friday morning with temperatures recovering somewhat by day. Into the weekend more cloud is likely to spread over England and Wales with less of a frost by night.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and coronavirus (COVID-19) and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

14 January 2022

UKHSA extends cold weather alert to 8 regions of England

Further to the cold weather alert issued on 11 January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is again encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk.

The Met Office is warning that the North West of England, Yorkshire and Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, London, South East England and South West England regions will all experience cold weather from 6pm on Thursday 13 January to 9am on Monday 17 January.

Frank Saunders, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:

Temperatures in England are expected to continue below normal in the coming days, with overnight minimum temperatures possibly getting to -4°C in some rural areas again tonight, and perhaps approaching this value again on Sunday night. Freezing fog will also form again across some areas on Friday night and Saturday morning.  

Areas covered by the alert are likely to see highs remain in the mid-to-low single figures through the weekend, especially in places where any fog or low cloud lingers throughout the day.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

11 January 2022

UKHSA issues cold weather alert for central and southern England

With a risk of freezing conditions and prolonged periods of fog across the centre and south of the country in the coming days, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, London, South East England and South West England regions will experience cold weather from 6pm on Thursday 13 January to 9am on Monday 17 January.

Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

As we continue to experience very low temperatures this winter it’s important to remember to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, such as elderly or frail friends and family, especially if they live alone or with a serious illness.

Remind those most vulnerable to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit, particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition. Should they need to go outside, it’s important for them to wear shoes with a good grip.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman said:

Temperatures in central and southern England are expected to trend downwards from Thursday, with overnight minimum temperatures possibly getting to -4 °C in some rural areas, but widespread below-freezing conditions elsewhere overnight in the following days. This will result in some harsh frosts and possible freezing fog in some places.

Temperatures will stay subdued through the next few days from Thursday in the alerted areas, with highs likely to remain in the mid-to-low single figures through the weekend, especially in places where any fog or low cloud lingers throughout the day.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and coronavirus (COVID-19) and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

6 January 2022

Cold weather set to remain across several English regions

With cold weather set to remain across a number of English regions over the coming days, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands and East of England regions will experience cold weather from 9am on Thursday 6 January to 9am on Monday 10 January.

Agostinho Sousa, a Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

It’s important to try to heat your home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit, particularly if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition.

Please check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, such as elderly or frail friends and family, especially if they live alone or with a serious illness. This can make all the difference.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Rebekah Sherwin, said:

Cold air drawn quickly across the Atlantic from the Canadian Arctic will bring low temperatures to much of northern England, with strong winds and wintry showers making it feel even colder in exposed areas. From Saturday onwards, temperatures will return to near normal for January.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and coronavirus (COVID-19) and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

4 January 2022

UKHSA extends cold weather alert to the whole of England

With cold weather becoming established across all regions of England this week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that each of the nine regions of England will experience cold weather from midnight on Tuesday 4 January to midday on Thursday 6 January.

Agostinho Sousa, a Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

It’s important to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, including older neighbours or relatives – especially those living alone or those who have serious illness.

Remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit and to keep up to date with the forecast.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, said:

A cold northerly flow will be bringing a drop in temperature to most of the UK for the next few days, particularly when compared with the recent mild weather. Wednesday night will see a sharp frost across most of the UK, with temperatures dropping below freezing across much of the country.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and coronavirus (COVID-19) and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

3 January 2022

UKHSA issues cold weather alert for northern regions

With a risk of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow across parts of the country, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that the North East of England, North West of England and Yorkshire and Humber regions will experience cold weather from midnight on Tuesday 4 January to midday on Thursday 6 January.

Agostinho Sousa, a Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

It’s important to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, including older neighbours or relatives – especially those living alone or those who have serious illness.

Remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit and to keep up to date with the forecast.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said:

Following an exceptionally mild spell, temperatures are set to drop for many in the north of England from late on Monday and into Tuesday. This drop in temperatures will spread further south later on Tuesday.

This change is being brought on by a cold northerly flow, which brings with it the risk of some wintry showers in places in northern England, especially over high ground. Minimum temperatures over the next few days are expected to drop below freezing, heightening the risk of some ice formation.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and COVID-19 and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

24 December 2021

UKHSA issues cold weather alert

With cold weather forecast across parts of the country over the coming days, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that the North East of England, North West of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and East Midlands regions will experience cold weather from midday on Saturday 25 December until midday on Tuesday 28 December.

Agostinho Sousa, a consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

It’s important to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, including older neighbours or relatives – especially those living alone or those who have serious illness.

Remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit. It’s also helpful to check they have enough food and drinks and any medicines they need.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Frank Saunders, said:

A cold air mass across the north of the UK will mean temperatures could fall as low as -2 in areas of north and east England.

As a weather front moves up from the south west we could see snow falling on its leading edge as it meets this cold air, bringing snow and ice risks particularly to higher ground in the north of England. This will be coupled with some gusty winds which means it will feel even colder for many.

To check the latest weather forecast updates visit the Met Office website or app.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and COVID-19 and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep.

Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

20 December 2021

Cold weather alert extended to cover 6 regions of England.

With cold weather becoming established across several regions of the country through the first part of the week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to look out for those most at risk.

The Met Office is warning that the North East of England, North West of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands and East of England regions will likely experience cold weather from today until midday Thursday 23 December.

Agostinho Sousa, a Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

Cold weather can have a serious impact, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

It’s really important to keep checking on older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or those who have serious illness. Remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit. It’s also helpful to check they have enough food and drinks and any medicines they need.

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Dan Suri, said:

Cold and mostly dry conditions with overnight frosts will persist through the early part of this week with high pressure nearby. Milder but more unsettled conditions will then spread across England and Wales during the mid-week period, potentially preceded by some hill snow over northern England.

To check the latest weather forecast updates visit the Met Office website or app.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and COVID-19 and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

17 December 2021

UKHSA issues cold weather alert for northern regions

With cold weather forecast across parts of the country over the coming days, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that the North East of England, North West of England and Yorkshire and the Humber regions will experience cold weather from 9am on Sunday 19 December to midday on Friday 24 December.

Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

It is important to try to heat your home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit, particularly if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition.

Please check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather such as elderly or frail friends and family, especially if they live alone or with a serious illness. This can make all the difference.

Met Office Expert Operational Meteorologist Dan Rudman said:

As we head into next week, we will see a fall in temperatures as colder, clearer air moves across much of the UK. Northern areas will feel the cold most keenly, with maximum temperatures likely to sit in the single figures.

Towards the middle and end of the week, there is an increasing chance of more unsettled and windier weather affecting the UK with rain, and perhaps snow, possible for some places.

To check the latest weather forecast updates visit the Met Office website or app.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and COVID-19 and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

30 November 2021

UKHSA issues cold weather alert for North, East and Midlands

With cold weather forecast across parts of the country over the coming days, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that the North East of England, North West of England, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands and East Midlands regions will experience cold weather from 9am on Wednesday 1 December to midnight on Friday 3 December.

Agostinho Sousa, a Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

As we experience low temperatures this winter it’s important to remember to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather. A call or socially distanced doorstep visit to look out for old or frail friends and family, especially if they live alone or with a serious illness, can make all the difference.

Remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit and to wear shoes with a good grip if they need to go outside.

Met Office Expert Operational Meteorologist Helen Caughey said:

Temperatures are set to drop once again for much of the UK in the coming days, with cooler air being brought down from the north accompanied by some gusty winds.

With winds forecast to be in excess of 40mph in some areas it will feel much colder than temperatures indicate, especially in exposed coastal locations. There is also a chance of some snow, predominantly over high ground, but which may reach lower levels at times, mainly as sleet.

To check the latest weather forecast updates visit the Met Office website or app.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and COVID-19 and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

26 November 2021

With a risk of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow across parts of the country, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.

The Met Office is warning that the North East of England, North West of England, South East of England, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands and East Midlands regions will experience cold weather from 6pm on Friday 26 November to 3pm on Monday 29 November.

Agostinho Sousa, a Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said:

Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.

It’s really important to keep checking on older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or those who have serious illness.

Make a call, or a socially-distanced doorstep visit if they live close by, to remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit and to keep up to date with the forecast. It’s also helpful to check they have enough food and drinks and any medicines they need.

Will Lang, Head of Civil Contingencies at the Met Office, said:

The UK will see temperatures drop to below average in the coming days, as cold air is drawn in from the north. This is coupled with the strong winds associated with Storm Arwen, which means it will feel especially cold in the wind.

Areas in the north will see temperatures below freezing overnight, with daytime maximum temperatures only getting into the low single figures. It’s important to note that strong wind speeds, in excess of 65mph in exposed locations, will exacerbate the cold temperatures we’ll be seeing over the weekend.

To check the latest weather forecast updates visit the Met Office website or app.

UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and COVID-19 and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.

For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.

If people can’t heat all the rooms they use, it’s important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep. Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.

Published 26 November 2021
Last updated 13 March 2023 + show all updates
  1. Added latest update.

  2. Added latest update.

  3. Added latest update.

  4. Added latest update.

  5. Added latest update.

  6. Added latest update.

  7. Added latest update.

  8. Added latest update.

  9. Added latest update.

  10. Added latest update.

  11. Added latest update.

  12. Added latest update.

  13. Added latest update.

  14. Added latest update.

  15. Added latest update.

  16. Added latest update.

  17. Added latest update.

  18. Added latest update.

  19. Added latest update.

  20. Added latest update.

  21. Added latest update.

  22. Added latest update.

  23. Added latest update.

  24. Added latest update.

  25. Added latest update.

  26. Added latest update.

  27. Added latest update.

  28. Updated cold weather alert for North, East and Midlands.

  29. First published.