The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first cold-health alert of the 2026/27 winter season, warning that falling temperatures could put vulnerable people at risk in two regions of England.

A yellow cold-health alert is in place for the North West and the West Midlands from 9am on Thursday, 12 November, until 12pm on Saturday, 14 November. All other regions of England are currently unaffected, the agency said.

Temperatures set to fall to -2C

Temperatures are expected to drop as low as -2C in parts of the affected regions on Thursday and Friday nights, according to the Met Office, with overnight lows of -2C forecast in places such as Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester. Daytime highs could reach only 6C in some areas.

Colder air is expected to spread further south across the UK through Thursday and Friday, with frost predicted widely and temperatures falling below average by Friday in particular.

Risk to older and vulnerable people

UKHSA warned that the cold could cause an increased risk to health for people aged 65 and over, and could lead to greater use of health care services by vulnerable people. Yellow alerts are issued during periods of cold that are unlikely to affect most people but could affect those who are particularly vulnerable.

Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: "This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season."

What a yellow alert means

Under the weather health alerting system run by UKHSA and the Met Office, alerts run through the season from 1 November to 31 March each year. A yellow alert means the forecast weather is likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.

Health officials advise people to keep their homes warm, dress in layers when going outside, and check on older relatives and neighbours during cold spells. Anyone who is worried about their health in the cold is advised to seek advice from their GP or pharmacist, or to call NHS 111.

More alerts expected this winter

The alert follows foggy conditions across much of the country in the first part of the week. Forecasters said dry weather with plenty of autumn sunshine was expected in the West Midlands from Thursday to Saturday, but with overnight frost and a colder feel, especially in brisk northerly winds at first.

UKHSA said further cold-health alerts were likely as the season progresses, and urged people to stay aware of the forecast and to take simple steps to stay warm and well.