The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its first yellow cold-health alert of the 2026/27 winter season as temperatures fall across Britain, bringing widespread frost and the possibility of snow in northern Scotland.
The warning covers North West England and the West Midlands. Other regions of England are not currently covered by the alert.
- Temperatures have fallen below freezing in some areas, with widespread frost expected and snow possible across northern Scotland and Shetland.
- People aged 65 and over, those with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions and other vulnerable groups face increased health risks during prolonged cold weather.
UKHSA issues first yellow cold-health alert of winter
The warning is part of the Weather-Health Alerting System operated by UKHSA in partnership with the Met Office.
Yellow alerts indicate weather conditions that may have limited effects on the general population but could present health risks to vulnerable individuals.
Cold weather can increase demand for healthcare services, particularly among older people and those with existing medical conditions.
UKHSA public health consultant Dr Anya Gopfert said further cold-health alerts are likely as winter progresses. The agency has encouraged residents to check on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours and take precautions to maintain safe indoor temperatures.
Met Office forecasts frost and possible snow
The Met Office expects colder conditions across much of the UK during the second week of November.
Temperatures have fallen to approximately -3°C in parts of Wales, while southern England has experienced overnight lows around 3°C.
Frost and fog are expected to become increasingly widespread as clear skies allow temperatures to drop overnight.
The coldest conditions are forecast across northern and central areas, with temperatures approaching 1°C in parts of Yorkshire.
UK cold weather forecast
| Area | Expected conditions |
|---|---|
| North West England | Cold temperatures, frost and yellow health alert |
| West Midlands | Overnight frost and yellow health alert |
| Wales | Temperatures potentially falling below -3°C |
| Yorkshire | Overnight lows around 1°C |
| South East England | Temperatures around 4°C overnight |
| Northern Scotland and Shetland | Wintry showers and possible snow |
Snow is most likely across higher ground in northern and northeastern Scotland.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said brief snow showers could also reach lower elevations in northern Scotland and the Northern Isles overnight Wednesday into Thursday. Widespread disruptive snowfall is not currently expected.
Cold weather increases risks for vulnerable people
UKHSA warns that low temperatures can aggravate existing health conditions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
People who may be more vulnerable include:
- Adults aged 65 and over.
- Individuals with chronic heart or respiratory conditions.
- People with disabilities or reduced mobility.
- Those experiencing homelessness.
- Households struggling to maintain adequate indoor heating.
The agency recommends wearing warm clothing, maintaining indoor temperatures where possible and checking on vulnerable people during cold spells.
The cold-health alert is intended primarily to support public health and social care planning.
It differs from the Met Office’s National Severe Weather Warning Service, which provides broader warnings covering potentially disruptive weather across the UK.
UK weather expected to turn wetter and windier
The current cold spell is expected to give way to more unsettled conditions over the weekend. Atlantic weather systems could bring rain and stronger winds, while temperatures gradually recover closer to seasonal averages.
The Met Office expects changeable conditions to continue into the second half of November, with further periods of rain and a possibility of snow over northern hills.
UKHSA will continue monitoring temperatures and health risks, with additional cold-health alerts possible as the 2026/27 winter season develops.
