Home › Weather › Cold Weather Health Alert
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Metro Report weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for parts of England, with widespread frost and sub-zero nights expected to increase health risks for vulnerable people. The alerts, active from 22:00 Tuesday until 12:00 Friday, cover the North West, Yorkshire, West Midlands and the East of England.
What does an amber cold health alert mean?
An amber cold health alert signals that cold weather is likely to have a significant impact on health services, particularly for older people and those with chronic conditions. The alert level means temperatures are forecast to fall below the UKHSA threshold of 2°C for 48 hours or more, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
How is this alert issued and who is covered?
The alert is issued jointly by the UKHSA and the Met Office. It applies to specific regions in England; separate arrangements exist for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. For Scotland, the cold health alert system is managed separately by the Scottish Government, and a similar amber-level concern has been raised this week for the northern half of the country.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a yellow and amber cold health alert?
A yellow alert means milder cold weather impacts are expected for the general population; an amber alert indicates a more severe impact, especially for vulnerable groups, with potential strain on health and social care services. The amber cold health alert meaning includes a risk of increased hospital admissions.
How can I check if my area is included?
Use the UKHSA cold weather alert map or the Met Office UK weather hub for regional updates. The current uk health alert today map shows the alert regions in orange. You can also check the 10 day weather forecast UK to see local minimum temperatures.
Are cold weather payments available for this alert?
Cold Weather Payments are triggered when the average temperature in a postcode area is recorded as 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. This amber alert does not automatically trigger such payments, but you can check eligibility via the Cold Weather Payment Checker.