Those aged 65 and over are particularly at risk
As temperatures sink to freezing levels across the nation this week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold-health alert over the south east.
The yellow alert spans the entire region, including Kent, and came into effect from 8pm on Sunday, December 28.
Due to remain in place until 12pm on Monday, January 5, the alert warns that throughout this time, there is likely to be “significant impacts across health and social care services.”
This includes a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
Younger age groups may also be impacted. Additionally, there is likely to be an increased demand for health services, while the cold will have an impact on the workforce, affecting the delivery of services.
Finally, the cold weather will create challenges in maintaining the recommended 18C indoor temperature, leading to more risk for vulnerable people. The south east region has been issued a risk score of nine, which means the impact is expected to be of medium severity, with a less than 30 per cent likelihood of taking effect.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “As the colder weather sets in it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable. The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.”
Other yellow cold-health alerts have been issued across central and southern England, while the North West and North East have been hit with amber alerts where temperatures are expected to be at their lowest. The latest Met Office forecasts anticipate a very cold end to 2025, with freezing lows, wintery showers and even the possibility of some snow flurries ushering in the New Year.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: “It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of ‘winter’ as we welcome in the New Year, initially in the north, but more widely across the UK for the first week of 2026. Arctic air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions to all parts of the UK, and it will feel especially cold in the strong winds.
“Widespread and locally severe frosts are expected, along with the first snow of the winter for many. A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for northern Scotland on New Year’s Day and beyond, where frequent and heavy snow showers may lead to some travel disruption.
“These colder conditions and wintry hazards – snow, ice and strong winds – will develop more widely as we enter the New Year, with more warnings for snow and ice likely. It looks like this cold spell will last through at least the first week of January, so it’s important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings.”
Find the full details on the forecast for the New Year in Kent here.
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