UKHSA yellow cold-health alert for most of England

Here’s what you need to know today. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow Cold‑Health Alert for all regions of England except the South East and London. It runs from 6pm on Tuesday 17 February to 6pm on Friday 20 February, signalling several days of low temperatures and extra pressure on health and care services.

Cold‑Health Alerts (CHAs) are part of the Weather Health Alerting system run by UKHSA with the Met Office. The colours show the level of expected health impact. Yellow means cold conditions could affect vulnerable people and services should prepare. Amber signals more severe, longer‑lasting effects across health and social care that may touch the wider population and require a coordinated response.

Who is most at risk and why? People aged 65 and over, and anyone with long‑term conditions such as heart or lung disease, face higher risks because cold weather can raise blood pressure, strain the heart and increase the chance of chest infections. People sleeping rough or living in cold homes are especially exposed. UKHSA has guidance for both professionals and the public to reduce these risks.

Your simple at‑home plan starts with warmth. Aim to heat the rooms you use most to around 18°C, close curtains at dusk and block draughts. Wear several light layers rather than one heavy jumper. Keep warm meals and hot drinks going through the day, and take medicines as prescribed. If you use portable heaters, place them well away from furniture and never bring outdoor appliances indoors.

Community care matters. A check‑in call or doorstep chat with a neighbour, friend or family member who may be struggling can make all the difference. For non‑urgent health advice, NHS 111 can guide you; for emergencies, call 999. If you’re worried about someone sleeping rough, contact your local council or a nearby charity to flag support services.

If you’re travelling or working outdoors, give yourself extra time and wear sturdy, grippy footwear. Keep a charged phone with you. Even brief exposure can be risky for some people, so build in warming breaks. The Met Office may also issue separate severe weather warnings for hazards like snow and ice-these run alongside health alerts and focus on disruption and safety on roads and rail.

For teachers, students and carers, small adjustments help a lot. Warm rooms ahead of lessons, allow pupils to add layers to uniform, and encourage learners with asthma or other conditions to keep their medication to hand. If attendance is affected by the weather, keep communication clear so families know what support is in place.

How we got here matters for context. Since late December, alerts have shifted with the forecast: an amber alert first covered the North West and North East before being expanded across England at the end of December and extended into early January. Through late January and into mid‑February, yellow alerts focused on northern and Midlands regions, leading to this week’s notice for most of England, excluding London and the South East.

What these alerts don’t do is predict exact snowfall or travel disruption. CHAs highlight likely health impacts and the actions needed in health and social care. The Met Office’s National Severe Weather Warnings focus on specific hazards like snow or ice. You can see both messages in the same week because they serve different purposes.

The takeaway for today: the current yellow alert is in place until 6pm on Friday 20 February. Check on people who might be at risk, keep living spaces warm, plan journeys with care and look again for updates each morning and evening. If the forecast shifts, UKHSA and the Met Office can extend or upgrade alerts at short notice.