New Yellow Cold Health Alert for the South East - until midday 18 January.

Published: 12 January 2024

The Met Office and UKHSA have downgraded the current Amber Alert in the South East to Yellow, which started midday today (11 January). But this new Yellow Alert is due to last until midday next Thursday (18 January).

Yellow Cold Health Alerts are issued when significant impacts are possible across the health and social care sector due to the forecast weather conditions. These possible impacts include:

• Observed increase in mortality across the population - particularly in the 65+ age group or those with certain underlying health conditions.
• Where impacts may also be seen in younger age groups.
• Likely increased demand for remote health care services.
• Possible impacts on the ability of services delivered due to the effects their workforce.
• Maintaining indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°c may become challenging for some, leading to increased risks to vulnerable people.

Below are some key resources you may find useful:   

General Guidance   

• Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 
• Cold weather and health: supporting vulnerable people - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Specific guidance for your setting or sector    

• Cold-Health Alert action card for the voluntary and community sector - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 
• Cold-Health Alert action card for commissioners - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 
• Cold-Health Alert action card for health and social care providers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)