The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its first cold-health alerts of the 2026-27 winter season, warning that Arctic air will bring sub-zero temperatures, widespread frost, and a heightened risk to vulnerable people.
The yellow cold-health alerts cover the North West and West Midlands from 9:00 am on Thursday, November 12, until 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 14. Other regions of England are currently unaffected.
Yellow alerts indicate periods of cold that are unlikely to impact most people but could affect those who are particularly vulnerable.
Temperatures are set to fall below average widely by Thursday and Friday, with overnight lows in many towns and cities dropping below zero.
The areas that experience frosts may even see -5C to -7C temperatures. There will be strong to gale winds blowing from the north to the northeast of northern and eastern Scotland by Wednesday evening, with gusts more than 50 mph, and there may be snow and sleet in Shetland, Orkney, and northern Scotland.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, low temperatures may lead to increased pressure on the healthcare system and may create greater risks for those above 65 years old, those having certain medical conditions like respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and those sleeping in the open air.
The freezing conditions can be highly dangerous for people having a lung condition. The cold snap is expected to be brief, with milder, more unsettled weather spreading in from the Atlantic by the weekend. Saturday and Sunday nights will remain cold and frosty in some southern and eastern parts before conditions ease next week.Â
