UKHSA expands amber cold-health alert across England

You’re now under an amber cold‑health alert across England from 8pm on Wednesday 31 December to 10am on Tuesday 6 January, says the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This signals a spell of very cold weather where day‑to‑day health can be affected and services come under extra pressure, so it’s a good time to make a clear plan.

An amber alert in the Weather Health Alerting system, run by UKHSA and the Met Office, means cold impacts are likely across health and social care and that the whole population could feel some effects. Transport and other services may also be disrupted, which is why authorities ask for a coordinated response.

The greatest health risks fall on people aged 65 and over, anyone with long‑term conditions-especially lung or heart disease-and people sleeping rough. Cold exposure strains the body and is linked with higher risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. UKHSA’s Dr Paul Coleman sums up the priority: check on friends, family and neighbours who may struggle.

Action you can take at home today includes keeping your main rooms warm-aim for at least 18°C-wearing layers, and having hot food and drinks through the day. If you use prepayment meters, top up early, and keep essential medicines, inhalers and chargers where you can reach them. If you feel worse or are unsure what to do, use NHS 111 online or by phone for advice; call 999 in an emergency.

Support others by agreeing simple check‑ins, offering to collect prescriptions or groceries, and signposting to local warm spaces if heating is difficult. A quick conversation can prevent a small problem becoming a crisis, especially for someone living alone.

The Met Office can issue National Severe Weather Warnings for snow and ice at short notice. Set up app alerts or check the website morning and evening. If you need to travel, wear footwear with good grip, give yourself extra time, and let someone know your route and ETA.

For schools, colleges and workplaces, use this alert window to review winter arrangements. Keep indoor spaces comfortably warm, share clear updates on opening times and transport, and consider flexible start times if conditions are icy.

Remember that Cold‑Health Alerts and weather warnings do different jobs. UKHSA’s alerts focus on the health impacts in England and help the NHS and care teams prepare. The Met Office’s National Severe Weather Warning Service covers weather hazards across the UK. Following both gives you the full picture.

Earlier in the week, on Sunday 28 December, UKHSA set amber only for the North West and North East until midday on Monday 5 January, with the rest of England on yellow. As forecasts developed, the amber level was expanded to all regions. Today’s change is about widening coverage in response to the latest outlook.

For reliable information, look for the UKHSA cold‑weather guidance collection for the public and professionals, and the UKHSA blog explainer on how Weather‑Health Alerts differ from the Met Office’s warning service. Stick to official .gov.uk and metoffice.gov.uk sources before sharing advice with friends or students.