Amber cold-health alert expanded to all regions of England

As of Tuesday 6th January 2026, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have extended the duration of the current amber cold-health alert. All regions of England will remain under an amber alert until 12pm on Sunday 11 January.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said:

The current cold snap is now expected to last at least until this weekend according to Met Office forecasts, and we know that prolonged exposure to low temperatures can have a severe impact on people’s health, especially if they’re older or have serious health conditions. That’s why we’re urging people to check in on friends, family and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the cold and make sure that they’re able to keep themselves warm while this period of cold lasts.

The Met Office has said that Tuesday will see a continuation of wintry showers at first across parts of Wales and southwest England. A mix of rain, sleet and snow will move south-eastwards across Scotland and Northern Ireland, then later into parts of Wales and England. There is a chance that a further spell of disruptive snow could affect central and northern Scotland later Tuesday morning until early evening.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said: “The UK will continue to experience a range of winter weather hazards through this week, with low temperatures as well as snow showers and the risk of ice for many. A number of severe weather warnings have been issued and these are likely to be updated through the week so do keep up to date with the forecast.”