UKHSA issues first winter cold-health alert for two regions

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 15:59 · Archive

The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow cold-health alert for the North West and West Midlands from Thursday 12 November to Saturday 14 November.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued its first cold-health alert of the 2026/27 winter for the North West and West Midlands. The yellow alert runs from 9am on Thursday 12 November to 12pm on Saturday 14 November.

The alert warns that cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of vulnerable people, particularly those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions. Dr Anya Gopfert, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said people should check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours as temperatures begin to fall.

'We're also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall. Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather,' Dr Gopfert said.

Dr Gopfert noted that more cold-health alerts can be expected as the winter season progresses. 'This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season,' she said.

Weather forecasts predict significant snowfall across the UK between 12 and 17 November. Scotland is expected to be primarily affected, though forecasters warn that snow flurries could fall in the north of England, the south west and the east. A BBC Weather forecast for Tuesday 10 November indicated that thick cloud and spells of rain would gradually spread in from the south-west.

How it is being reported

• West Midlands residents urged to prepare as first winter cold alert issuedThe UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow cold health alert for the West Midlands and North West as forecasters predict a drop in temperatures later this week.Express & Star · 10 Nov, 15:39
• West Midlands residents urged to prepare as first winter cold alert issuedThe UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow cold health alert for the West Midlands and North West as forecasters predict a drop in temperatures later this week.Birmingham World · 10 Nov, 15:39
• UKHSA issues cold-health alert for two parts of England with UK snow comingTwo regions affectedBirminghamLive · 10 Nov, 13:53

In this story: UK Health Security Agency · North West · West Midlands · Dr Anya Gopfert · Scotland · England

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