The United Kingdom is preparing for a harsh and icy commencement to 2026, with health authorities issuing a serious amber cold weather alert for large parts of the country. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated the warning due to a forecasted plunge in temperatures that is expected to bring significant risks to public health and strain on services.
Alert Details and Forecasted Freeze
An amber cold health alert is active for the North East and North West of England from 8pm on Sunday, 28 December 2025, until 12pm on Monday, 5 January 2026. Forecasters predict daytime temperatures in these regions will struggle to reach between 3°C and 5°C, with overnight lows dipping to around -3°C. Some parts of Scotland could see the mercury fall as low as -7°C.
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud indicated a shift from the recent settled conditions, stating the forecast now includes "more wintry hazards" particularly for the north. He confirmed that "wintry showers" are expected across northern England from New Year's Day onwards, making for a blustery and bitterly cold opening to the year. The final days of 2025 are expected to be milder, with temperatures around 7°C to 8°C, before the sharp downturn.
Severe Impacts on Health and Services
The escalation to an amber alert signifies that the cold weather is assessed as likely to have substantial impacts across the health and social care sector. The UKHSA warns this includes an anticipated increase in deaths among those aged 65 and over and people with pre-existing health conditions. Impacts on younger age groups are also possible.
The agency outlined several critical concerns:
- A probable surge in demand for NHS and social care services.
- Indoor temperatures in hospitals and care homes falling below recommended levels for clinical risk assessment.
- Difficulty maintaining the advised 18°C minimum in homes, heightening risk for vulnerable individuals.
- Potential disruption to staffing due to travel delays caused by the weather.
- Knock-on effects for other sectors including transport and energy.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, urged the public to take action: "As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on health, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections."
Wider Yellow Alert and Public Advice
In addition to the amber warnings, a less severe but still significant yellow cold health alert covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. In these areas, temperatures are forecast to drop to between 4°C and 6°C from New Year's Day.
It is important to note that these are health alerts issued by the UKHSA, not weather warnings from the Met Office. As of the latest forecast, there are no active Met Office weather warnings. The public, especially those in amber alert regions, are advised to take precautions such as heating homes to at least 18°C, wearing suitable layers, and ensuring they, and those they care for, have access to warm food and drinks.
