First winter cold-health alert issued for two English regions

The first cold-health alert of winter 2026/27 has been issued for the North West and West Midlands, warning of risks to older people and others particularly vulnerable to low temperatures.

The yellow alert runs from 9am on Thursday 12 November until midday on Saturday 14 November. No other English regions are currently covered.

Yellow alerts under the Weather-Health Alerting system, operated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office, indicate conditions unlikely to affect most people but potentially harmful to vulnerable groups. Cold weather can increase demand for healthcare, particularly among people aged 65 and over, those with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, and people sleeping rough.

Dr Anya Gopfert, a consultant in public health at UKHSA, said further alerts could be expected as winter progressed. She urged people to check on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours, heat their homes where possible and dress warmly.

UKHSA has published cold-weather guidance for the public and professionals responsible for protecting vulnerable people.

Cold-health alerts focus on health risks in England and help health and social care services prepare. They are separate from the National Severe Weather Warning Service, which covers broader severe-weather risks across the UK.