Cold-Health Alert Issued for Parts of England as First Warning of Winter 2026/27

The first cold-health alert of the 2026/27 winter season has been issued for parts of England, with health officials urging people to look out for those most vulnerable to cold weather.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced on 10 November that a yellow cold-health alert will be in place across the North West and West Midlands from 9am on Thursday 12 November until 12pm on Saturday 14 November.

Other regions of England are currently unaffected by this alert, according to the agency. Cold-health alerts are designed to help health and social care services prepare for periods of low temperatures that could affect vulnerable people, even when conditions are not expected to cause widespread impacts across the general population.

UKHSA says older people, particularly those aged 65 and over, people with existing health conditions including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and people sleeping rough can face increased risks during colder weather.

Low temperatures can also lead to increased demand for health services as people experience worsening symptoms or other cold-related health problems. Dr Anya Gopfert, a consultant in public health at UKHSA, said the first alert of the season was a reminder that cold weather can have a serious effect on some people.

The agency is encouraging people to check in on older relatives, friends and neighbours who may need extra support as temperatures fall. Practical steps include keeping homes warm where possible, wearing suitable layers and making sure vulnerable people have access to the support they need.

The cold-health alert system is separate from the Met Office's National Severe Weather Warning Service. While severe weather warnings communicate wider weather hazards, cold-health alerts focus specifically on potential impacts on people's health and the preparation of health and social care services.

The alert currently applies only to the North West and West Midlands. Residents in other parts of England, including the South West, should continue to follow local weather forecasts and any further health alerts issued by the authorities.

UKHSA said further alerts may be issued as winter progresses. The public can find guidance on staying safe during cold weather through the UK Health Security Agency and NHS websites.

Source: UK Health Security Agency, 10 November 2026.