UK Health Security Agency issues yellow cold-health alert for North West and West Midlands

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced a yellow cold-health alert for England’s North West and West Midlands, effective from 9 a.m. on Thursday 12 November until noon on Saturday 14 November. The agency said the forecast low temperatures, expected to reach around –2 °C in the two regions, could raise health risks for people aged 65 and over, individuals with pre-existing conditions and rough sleepers.

UKHSA warned that the cold may lead to higher demand for health-care services among vulnerable populations, while other parts of England remain unaffected. Yellow alerts are intended for periods of cold that are unlikely to affect the general public but may impact those at higher risk.

The Met Office forecast temperatures of about –2 °C for locations such as Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester on Thursday night, with nearby areas like Solihull and Hereford expected to drop to around –1 °C.

The NHS highlighted that cold weather can exacerbate heart attacks, strokes and respiratory illnesses, and advised people to keep indoor rooms at a minimum of 18 °C, use draught excluders, wear multiple layers of clothing and stay active. Additional recommendations include obtaining the flu vaccine where eligible, treating minor winter ailments promptly and checking on vulnerable neighbours.

"This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season," said Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA. "Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable. We're also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall."