The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a health warning to Brits of a certain age amid a potentially dangerous turn in the weather. According to experts, a drop in temperatures could cause problems for some people aged 65 and over.

An amber cold health alert (CHA) has been put in place by the UKHSA for the Yorkshire and Humber, North West and North East regions of England until Saturday, November 22. All other regions in England are under a yellow alert.

In an update, the UKHSA explained that expected low temperatures are likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people. It also creates an increased health risk for people aged 65 years and over, those with pre-existing health conditions (including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases) and some other vulnerable groups, such as those sleeping rough.

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Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, encouraged people to check in on vulnerable people they know. He said: “This is the first prolonged cold spell of the season, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.

“The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”

Temperatures have dropped this week in the UK, with daytime temperatures expected to reach highs of just five to 10 degrees Celsius for many areas over the next few days.

The Met Office has issued yellow severe weather warnings for Scotland and northern England for today (November 18). Rain, sleet, snow, and ice have also been predicted in some parts of the country.

Under the weather health alerting system, introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, an amber cold health alert signifies that the effects of cold weather are likely to be felt across the entire health service for a prolonged period. This could potentially put the whole population at risk and other sectors may also begin to experience impacts, indicating a coordinated response is necessary.

The Met Office might issue national severe weather warnings (for instance, snow and ice) at short notice, enabling you to take suitable action.

UKHSA guidance issued in 2024 recommends that during cold weather you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. “Low indoor temperatures can have a serious impact on your health, especially if you have medical conditions or are older,” it warned.

Simple changes can help to keep you and your home warm. These include:

• Try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as the living room or bedroom, to at least 18C


• Try to reduce draughts; you can fit draft excluders around doors cheaply


• Keep your bedroom windows closed at night


• Wear several layers of thinner clothing; this could keep you warmer than one thicker layer