Yellow Cold Health Alert for the South east

Published: 17 November 2025

Good afternoon everyone,

The Met Office and UKHSA have issued a Southeast Yellow Cold Health Alert, which started at midday today (17 Nov) and is due to last until 8am this Saturday (22 Nov).

This means there is potential for significant impacts across health and social care services, including:

• A rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. We may also see impacts on younger age groups.
• A likely increase in demand for health services.
• Impacts on the workforce affecting delivery of services.
• Challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°C leading to more risk to vulnerable people.
• 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

·                     Supporting vulnerable people before and during cold weather - GOV.UK 

Specific guidance for your setting or sector      

·       Cold-Health Alert action card for the voluntary and community sector - GOV.UK

·       Cold-Health Alert action card for commissioners - GOV.UK 

·       Cold-Health Alert action card for health and social care providers - GOV.UK