The UK Health Security Agency has expanded the amber Cold-Health Alert to every region of England, upgrading areas previously on yellow. The alert is active from 20:00 on Wednesday 31 December until 10:00 on Tuesday 6 January (UK time). This update follows routine joint assessment between UKHSA and the Met Office under the Weather-Health Alerting system.
Under the Weather-Health Alerting framework, an amber alert signals that cold weather impacts are likely across the health and social care system, with potential risk extending beyond clinically vulnerable groups to the wider population. Non-health sectors may also be affected, and a more coordinated response can be required. This alerting system applies to England.
UKHSA expects a rise in health service use among vulnerable people during this period, with increased risks for those aged 65 and over, and for people with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular disease. People sleeping rough are also at heightened risk. UKHSA has reissued guidance for both professionals and the public on staying safe in cold weather.
Operationally, the Adverse Weather and Health Plan sets clear expectations for Integrated Care Systems and Boards, local authorities and Local Resilience Forums to coordinate preparedness and response. UKHSA advises that alert cascades reach NHS trusts, primary care, social care providers and independent settings, and that local leaders assure themselves that actions associated with the alert are triggered.
For adult social care leads, priorities during an amber alert include ensuring alerts reach independent care homes and home care providers, and that residents and clients can maintain safe indoor temperatures. UKHSA public guidance advises heating rooms used most often, such as living rooms and bedrooms, to at least 18°C.
Local authorities and homelessness services should plan targeted support for people at higher risk, including those who are homeless or sleeping rough, working with the voluntary and community sector as set out in the Adverse Weather and Health Plan and the Cold-Health Alert action card collection.
Public-facing messaging that professionals may wish to amplify remains straightforward: check on older neighbours, friends and relatives; prepare medicines and food in case travel is disrupted; and be alert to risks such as carbon monoxide from unsafe heating. UKHSA’s guidance brings these points together for winter communications.
Teams should monitor horizon scanning products alongside the alert. UKHSA issues cold-health planners on Mondays and Fridays summarising the next 5, 6–15 and 16–30 days. The Met Office may issue National Severe Weather Warnings for hazards such as snow and ice at short notice; NSWWS warnings complement health alerts but are UK-wide and hazard-led.
UKHSA’s Dr Paul Coleman underlined the clinical risks associated with prolonged low temperatures, noting elevated risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, and urging people to “check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.”
Context for planners: an amber alert was first issued for the North West and North East from 20:00 on Sunday 28 December to midday on Monday 5 January, with the remainder of England on yellow. The escalation to a national amber alert on 31 December reflects updated forecasting and joint assessment.