UKHSA issues cold-health alerts for two English regions

The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow cold-health alerts for the North West and West Midlands, warning of a brief cold spell from 9am on Thursday, November 12, until noon on Saturday, November 14.

The alert is the first of the 2026-27 winter season. It applies to the two named regions of England, with no other English regions included in the warning, according to the agency’s alert information.

The UKHSA said the cold snap is likely to have minor effects on health and social-care services but could pose a greater risk to life for vulnerable people. Cold-weather risks include people aged 65 and over and those with existing health conditions, according to public-health guidance in the reporting.

Dr Anya Gopfert, a UKHSA consultant in public health, advised people to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours. She also recommended keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly as temperatures fall.

Forecasts accompanying the alert say overnight temperatures could fall below zero in many towns and cities. Some rural areas may reach about minus 5C or lower, while the coldest conditions are expected away from western and south-western coasts, where the sea and...