“Low temperatures like these can have serious impacts on the health of some people,” said Dr Paul Coleman at the UK Health Security Agency, as the amber cold‑health alert was extended to every region of England from 8pm on Wednesday 31 December to 10am on Tuesday 6 January. Previously only the North West and North East were on amber, with the rest of England on yellow.

An amber cold‑health alert signals that the effects of the cold are likely to be felt across the health and social care system, with risk to the whole population and knock‑on impacts in other sectors requiring a coordinated response. In plain terms, services across the North should expect pressure and plan for it.

UKHSA says the biggest risks are to people aged 65 and over and those with heart or lung conditions. Rough sleepers and anyone unable to heat their home are also at heightened risk, with cold exposure linked to heart attacks, strokes and chest infections. The advice is simple: check on people who may struggle.

Councils and volunteers across the North are stepping in. In Manchester, every public library is a Warm Welcome Space this winter, with free hot drinks available through February 2026 and staff on hand to signpost support. For many households, that’s a lifeline when bills bite.

In Cumbria, the Warm Spots network continues to bring together venues from Millom to Carlisle, offering safe, heated places to sit, chat and get advice without questions asked. As Cllr Lisa Brown put it last year: “Winter can be a difficult time… we want to help people as much as we can.”

Fuel poverty magnifies cold‑weather risk. Government figures show Yorkshire and the Humber recorded the second‑highest regional fuel poverty rate in 2023 at 14.7%, with several of England’s most affected local authorities in Yorkshire and the North West. That reality lands hardest during a week like this.

Rural households face added hurdles: older, harder‑to‑heat homes and more properties off the gas grid. The Rural Services Network reports higher rural fuel poverty and a bigger “fuel poverty gap”, while Commons Library research estimates around 4.4 million GB households were off‑grid in 2021.

Staying safe isn’t complicated. UKHSA and NHS guidance is to heat the rooms you use to at least 18°C if you can, wear layers, keep bedroom windows closed at night, and make sure you’ve got medicines and food in. If you’re unsure what to do, use NHS 111; call 999 in an emergency.

Older neighbours may need a hand with shopping, prescriptions or simply company. The NHS also lists the Age UK advice line (0800 678 1602, 8am–7pm daily) for people who need support over the holiday period. A quick knock on the door can make a real difference.

The Met Office may issue snow and ice warnings at short notice during this cold spell. Keep an eye on updates and plan travel accordingly-and if in doubt about the health impacts of the weather, follow UKHSA guidance and check in on those who might be struggling.