Cold Weather Alert Issued by PHE

Regular updates on cold weather and how to stay well during low temperatures

Severe winter weather forecast for parts of England from 6am Sunday 27 December to 9am Tuesday 29 December has prompted Public Health England (PHE) to remind people how to stay well in cold conditions.

The North East, West Midlands, North West and the Yorkshire and Humber regions will experience the coldest weather in this period. Frosty conditions are expected overnight with temperatures remaining low throughout the day. Wintry showers, with some snow across hills, and icy patches are also possible.

Dr Ishani Kar-Purkayastha, Consultant in Public Health at PHE, said:

Cold weather can be bad for your health. Heat your home to at least 18 Celsius if you can, particularly if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease.

If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed.

Wearing a few layers of thin clothing is better at trapping heat than one thick layer and will help to keep you warm.

If you are struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that could help you keep warm and well.

Looking out for others at this time is also really important. Remember to check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses, remembering COVID-19 social distancing and restrictions in place in your area, to make sure they are safe, warm and well.

To check the latest weather forecast updates visit the Met Office website or app.

This year PHE has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and COVID-19 and how to keep warm and keep well this winter.