A new yellow cold-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber, including Greater Manchester. The alert comes into force at 9pm on Sunday, November 15, and remains in place until 9am on Thursday, November 19. Other regions of England are unaffected.
Cold air returns after weekend improvement
The warning follows a brief improvement in conditions over the weekend, with temperatures expected to reach around 8C in Manchester on Saturday afternoon. Colder air is forecast to return from Sunday night, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures across much of the country.
The Met Office has warned of a risk of ice developing across northern parts of the UK, potentially creating hazardous travelling conditions and causing disruption. Snow is also forecast for higher ground in Scotland.
Health risks and advice
The UKHSA said the cold conditions could increase pressure on health and social care services, while posing a particular risk to older people and those with existing health conditions. People aged 65 and over, those with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, and other vulnerable groups including people sleeping rough are among those most at risk during periods of cold weather.
Paul Coleman, Consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA, said: "Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable." He urged people to take simple steps to protect themselves during the colder spell, including heating the rooms they spend most of their time in and dressing warmly.
Ice and snow warnings
The Met Office has also warned that Sunday night and Monday morning could bring disruptive ice and snow. Ethan Douglas, Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "On Sunday night and Monday morning, there is the potential for some disruptive ice and snow. The ice risk may be present more widely across the north of the UK, causing extended journey times and potentially hazardous travelling conditions."
The latest warning follows the first cold-health alert of the 2026/27 winter season, which was issued earlier this week. That alert covered the North West and West Midlands and ran from 9am on Thursday, November 12, until midday on Saturday, November 14. Temperatures have already dropped sharply in recent days, with overnight lows of minus 6.5C recorded in Cumbria and minus 6.6C in south Wales.
Looking ahead, the Met Office expects next week to remain largely bright but noticeably colder, with overnight frosts becoming increasingly common. Residents are being urged to check on elderly relatives, vulnerable neighbours and anyone who may struggle to keep their homes warm as colder weather returns.
