This article explores the latest amber cold health alerts issued for parts of England, what they mean for public health, and how communities can respond.
Drawing on current weather forecasts and decades of health and climate research, it explains who is most at risk, why cold weather can be deadly, and the practical steps that individuals and services can take to reduce harm during this prolonged cold spell.
Amber Cold Health Alerts for Northern England
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for the North East and North West of England, in force until midday on 5 January.
These alerts indicate a significant increase in health risks, especially for older adults and people with pre-existing conditions.
Temperatures in these regions are expected to fall to around -4°C, with a marked wind chill effect.
Under such conditions, even short periods outdoors can accelerate body heat loss and increase the risk of hypothermia and cardiovascular stress.
Wind Chill, Snow and Local Conditions
In the North West, snow is forecast on 3 and 4 January, and wind chill may make -4°C feel closer to -8°C.
This perceived temperature is crucial for assessing risk: the body responds to wind-driven heat loss, not just the air temperature shown on a thermometer.
BBC weather forecaster Ben Rich notes that New Year’s Eve should be largely dry in some areas, but colder, wintrier conditions will set in from New Year’s Day.
On Monday, daytime temperatures are expected to range between 4°C and 9°C, with scattered showers overnight.
Some locations, such as Glasgow, could fall to around -2°C during the night.
National Weather Outlook: Early January
The amber alerts in the North complement broader weather patterns affecting the UK as a whole.
The Met Office is forecasting a sustained cold spell driven by northerly winds, shaping conditions well beyond the New Year period.
Between 2 and 11 January, the general pattern is one of cold air moving southwards.
Local variations will depend on geography and proximity to the coast.
Coastal Snow and Inland Dry Cold
The Met Office expects cold northerly winds to dominate, bringing snow showers mainly to coastal areas that track southwards.
These snow showers can be highly localized, but where they occur, they can reduce visibility, disrupt travel, and complicate emergency responses.
Further inland, particularly across central and southern regions, conditions are more likely to be cold but largely dry.
Persistent sub-zero nights can still lead to icy surfaces, frozen pipes, and unsafe indoor temperatures in poorly insulated housing.
Yellow Alerts Across the Rest of England
While the North East and North West face amber alerts, the rest of England is under yellow cold health alerts, including London and the Midlands.
These indicate that impacts are likely, but generally less severe and widespread than under amber conditions.
In these regions, daytime temperatures are expected to peak at around 6°C, with sub-zero lows from New Year’s Day.
For vulnerable people, even these “moderate” cold conditions can be hazardous if heating is inadequate or if they spend extended periods in unheated spaces.
Health Risks: More Than Just Feeling Cold
Dr Agostinho Sousa of the UKHSA has emphasised that cold weather is not a mere inconvenience; it directly increases the risk of serious health events.
Specifically, cold exposure is linked to:
People over 65 years old, and those with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illness, or diabetes, are at the highest risk.
For these groups, a small drop in indoor temperature or a brief journey in very cold air can have serious consequences.
Pressure on Health and Care Services
The current cold spell is expected to put additional strain on health and care services, which are often already under seasonal pressure at this time of year.
Two key issues are of concern: indoor environmental conditions and workforce disruption.
Firstly, there is a risk that hospital and care-home temperatures may fall below recommended levels if heating systems are stretched or if buildings are poorly insulated.
Maintaining adequate indoor warmth is critical for patients with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Travel Disruption and Service Capacity
Secondly, snow and ice can disrupt transport, making it harder for staff to reach hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes.
Reduced staffing at times of high demand can delay care, particularly for emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes, where every minute counts.
During a similar cold snap over Christmas, several annual open-water swimming events were cancelled in response to cold health alerts.
While such decisions can be disappointing for participants, they reflect a broader principle: in severe cold, the priority is reducing avoidable exposure and protecting life.
Protecting Vulnerable People During the Cold Spell
Public health guidance during amber and yellow cold alerts consistently highlights the importance of community support.
Dr Sousa has urged the public to check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours, particularly if they live alone or have limited mobility.
Practical steps that can reduce cold-related health risks include:
They reflect decades of evidence showing that cold weather, even at temperatures commonly seen in the UK, can significantly increase mortality and hospital admissions if precautions are not taken.
Here is the source article for this story: Cold weather to ring in New Year as amber health alerts issued