The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that colder weather poses a "serious risk" and has identified four groups of people most at risk, urging them to take protective steps. The warning follows data showing 2,200 deaths associated with cold weather across the UK last winter.
Who is most at risk?
The UKHSA advises that people aged 65 years and over, people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, people with dementia, and people living in poorly insulated homes or experiencing fuel poverty should take extra steps to look after themselves.
The agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care, issued the warning as temperatures dropped across the UK due to seasonal changes and shifts in low-pressure systems like Storm Boelo. The Met Office said it will be "chilly for some" tonight with "patchy frost possible further north".
Cold-associated deaths data
The UKHSA recently revealed 2,200 deaths were associated with cold weather during winter 2025 to 2026. This was lower than the estimated 2,788 cold-associated deaths recorded during winter 2024 to 2025.
A report found that cold-associated deaths last winter were recorded in all regions except the North East. The North West experienced the highest mortality rate, with 52 cold-associated deaths per million population.
The UKHSA said 757 of the deaths were linked to circulatory diseases, while accidents and injuries, and other causes all became more likely as temperatures fell.
Advice for the public
The agency is urging people to take action to protect themselves this winter. This includes keeping parts of your home warm, and checking in on friends, family and neighbours. The UKHSA also advises following weather forecasts and public health advice during cold weather.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Cold weather poses a serious risk to health, particularly for people who are more vulnerable because of their age, health, or living circumstances. Our cold weather mortality report shows that around 2,200 people died as a result of very low temperatures last winter.
"While this estimate of cold-associated deaths is lower than we saw during the previous winter, these figures show that even short periods of cold weather can have serious effects on health and can lead to increased deaths in the days and weeks that follow.
"As we head into winter, it is important that everyone takes simple steps to protect themselves and others. This includes keeping parts of our homes warm, checking in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable, and following weather forecasts and public health advice during cold weather."
