UKHSA amber cold-health alert for England, 31 Dec–6 Jan
An amber cold-health alert now covers every region of England from 8pm on Wednesday 31 December until 10am on Tuesday 6 January, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed. We’ll explain what the alert means, who is most at risk, and the steps you can take today to keep yourself and others safe.
An amber alert, under the Weather Health Alerting system run by UKHSA with the Met Office, signals that the health and social care system is likely to feel the effects of cold weather. It also means there is potential for the whole population to be affected, so a coordinated response from local services is expected.
Cold weather does not affect everyone equally. People aged 65 and over, anyone with serious long-term conditions-especially heart or lung disease-and people sleeping rough face higher risks. UKHSA says lower temperatures are likely to drive up demand for NHS care among these groups.
Why the risk rises: exposure to cold can narrow blood vessels, raise blood pressure and strain the heart. UKHSA clinicians warn this can lead to more heart attacks, strokes and chest infections across the period, particularly when temperatures stay low for several days.
What you can do at home tonight matters. Aim to keep indoor rooms you use most at 18°C or above if you can, wear several light layers, keep moving regularly, and have warm food and drinks. Make sure medicines are topped up, charge your phone, and plan any essential journeys in daylight where possible.
Look outwards as well. A quick call or doorstep check on an older neighbour, a friend with a long-term condition, or someone who may be sleeping rough can make a real difference. If you are worried about someone’s health and it is not an emergency, NHS 111 can advise; in an emergency, call 999.
You may also see separate National Severe Weather Warnings from the Met Office for hazards like snow and ice. Those warnings focus on the immediate weather risk across the UK. The UKHSA cold-health alert focuses on health impacts in England and helps the NHS and social care prepare. Both can run at the same time and both matter.
Timing matters if you are planning travel, work or care. The current amber alert runs from 8pm on Wednesday 31 December to 10am on Tuesday 6 January. The Met Office can issue or update warnings at short notice, so check forecasts before you set out and allow extra time for safe travel.
How we got here: earlier in the week, the North West and North East were placed under an amber alert from 8pm on Sunday 28 December to midday on Monday 5 January, with other regions on yellow. UKHSA has now expanded the amber alert to all regions of England as lower temperatures persist.
If you want more detail, UKHSA publishes public guidance for staying well in cold weather alongside resources for professionals supporting vulnerable people. Your local council may also list warm spaces and community support. Share this explainer with students, colleagues and family so we can keep each other safer through the cold spell.