Cold-Health Alert – Yellow response
The Met Office and UKHSA have issued a yellow cold health alert which is in effect from 12PM on 17/11/2025 until 8AM on 22/11/2025 across the South East.
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
Please refer to the resources and guidance sent on the 31 October 2025, (Cold-Health Alert Green – Winter 2025 preparedness email) or visit https://www.westberks.gov.uk/extreme-cold
Below are some key resources you may find useful:
General Guidance for the General Public: Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather
General Guidance for professionals who regularly come into contact with vulnerable people in their job roles: Supporting vulnerable people - 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 health and social care providers - GOV.UK
Kind regards,
Dr Matt Pearce PGDip MPH PhD FFPH, Director of Public Health Reading Borough Council and West Berkshire Council.
Public Health and Wellbeing, West Berkshire Council, Market Street, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5LD
01635 503437 | www.westberks.gov.uk | www.facebook.com/wbcpublichealth
