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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the NewsPrism weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
A cold weather health alert is a warning from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office that low temperatures could pose a serious risk to health, particularly for older people and those with long-term conditions.
What does a cold weather health alert mean?
The UKHSA issues colour-coded alerts (yellow, amber, red) to indicate the expected impact of cold weather on health services and vulnerable individuals. An amber alert, for instance, means a significant increase in mortality and hospital admissions is likely, and the entire health and social care system should take action.
Who is most at risk and what should you do?
Those aged 65 and over, babies under one, people with heart or lung conditions, and those living alone are most vulnerable. The NHS advises keeping homes heated to at least 18°C, wearing multiple thin layers, and checking on neighbours. The government’s Cold Weather Payment Checker can tell you if you qualify for extra financial help during icy spells.
What is the difference between a yellow and amber cold health alert?
A yellow alert means cold weather is likely to affect vulnerable people, while amber means the whole population could feel health impacts and services must prepare for increased demand. Red is reserved for extreme, life-threatening conditions.
Does a cold health alert apply across the whole UK?
No. The UKHSA issues alerts for England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate systems – for example, cold health alert Scotland is managed by Public Health Scotland and the Met Office.
Where can I check current cold weather alerts in real time?
The best place is the Met Office’s national severe weather warnings page and the UKHSA’s health alert dashboard. You can also follow BBC Weather for daily updates and our UK weather hub for analysis.