Urgent warning issued to anyone over 65 for December and January | Weather | News
An urgent health warning has been issued to pensioners and those with compromised immune systems as the UK prepares for nearly two weeks of severe cold. The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has cold weather health warnings in place as forecasters warn the mercury could drop as low as -14C in the next two weeks.
The warnings are designed to protect people most at risk from cold-related illnesses, especially the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to the effects of prolonged exposure to cold. Health officials warn that cold weather can significantly increase the risk of respiratory illnesses and falls, and even increase the risk of blood clots that can lead to heart attack or stroke, especially in people over 65 or with long-term health conditions.
While the UKHSA recommends that homes should be heated to at least 18°C, especially in rooms where older people spend most of their time, even moderately cold indoor temperatures can be dangerous.
The warning comes as weather forecasts point to a persistent cold spell, with daytime temperatures barely rising above 0C in early January.
Icy sidewalks and untreated roads also increase the risk of slips and falls, another major concern for older adults in cold weather.
Two areas have been named as particularly at risk, with yellow warnings issued in the North East and North West until 12pm on January 5.
UKHSA’s head of extreme events and health protection, Dr. Agostinho Sousa called on people to look after each other during difficult conditions.
Speaking to The Guardian, he added: “The predicted temperatures could have a serious impact on the health of some people, particularly those aged over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
His comments came after the Met Office issued a snow and ice warning for New Year’s Day in parts of Scotland, the first weather warning of 2026.
Forecasts for January say that from 2 January to 11 January: “Northerly winds will bring very cold, harsh winter conditions to much, if not all, of the UK for at least the first part of this period.
“These will bring snow showers to areas exposed to onshore winds. Slight daily changes in wind direction will shift locations most exposed to showers, but where these occur, there are likely to be some significant snow accumulations.”
“More consistent bands of sleet and snow are likely to occur in the south and these may bring the risk of more prolonged and widespread winter rainfall affecting some inland areas.
“Things become uncertain in the second week of January, although cold conditions are possible to persist, with the risk of wintry danger continuing across much of the UK.”
