31/12/2025
The Met Office and UKHSA have issued an Amber Cold Health Alert for the South East, which is due to start at 8pm today (31.12.25) until 10am on Tuesday 6 January.
This means the weather conditions are likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services, including:
• A rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65+ or with health conditions. Younger age groups may also be affected.
• A likely increase in demand for health services.
• Temperatures inside places like hospitals, care homes, and clinics dropping below the levels recommended for assessing health risks.
• Challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°C, leading to more risk for vulnerable people.
• Staffing issues due to external factors (such as travel delays).
• Other sectors starting to observe impacts (such as transport and energy).
Look after yourself and others this winter.