A RARE cold-health alert has been issued for the whole of England as Brits look set to bring in the New Year.
The cold snap, which warn of a rise in deaths particularly among elderly and vulnerable people, are set to pummel Brits for as long as a whole week.
The warning will wreak ‘significant impacts’ on the public’s health, and could trigger excess deaths in both the young and old.
The UK government has urged the public to heat their homes to above 18 degrees.
They also warned that mercury levels may drop, affecting hospitals and care home patients.
It comes after the Met Office issued a snow warning for London in the New Year as the country braves a cold snap.
CRASH PROBE
AJ’s chauffeur ‘faces prosecution’ as cops hunt driver of truck who fled scene
G’DAY 2026!
Sydney joins New Zealand in welcoming 2026 with incredible firework display
Brits are already braced for sub-zero temperatures today as New Year’s Eve revellers prepare for frosty weather during celebrations.
Party-goers heading out to ring in 2026 are being warned to layer up as Britain braces for a bitterly cold New Year’s Eve.
Temperatures have already plunged to a bone-chilling -8C, with forecasters warning the cold spell will last at least into next week.
And snow could now be on the cards for the first days of 2026, according to the Met Office.
A yellow warning for snow and ice is now in place from 12am on Friday, January 2, covering parts of the southeast, London, the West Midlands and much of Wales.
At least 79 places are under snow warnings in the coming days and there are warnings in Northern Ireland and the north of Scotland on January 2.
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.”
NEW YEAR’S FREEZE
As for today’s weather, experts say conditions will be mostly dry for many, but it will be “cold regardless of where you are.”
Northern Scotland, however, is expected to turn wetter and windier on the 31st, as colder conditions bite at the turn of the year.
Snow areas pinpointed for Ireland’s ‘sharp’ -5C cold snap as ‘plunge of Arctic air’ to freeze country & schools update
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy snowfall and gale-force winds across northern Scotland, running from 6am on New Year’s Day through to the end of Friday.
Up to 10cm of snow could build up by January 2, and up to 30cm on higher roads and hills.
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.”
Those celebrating Hogmanay in Edinburgh face gusty winds of 25–30mph, with a chance of showers and even hail battering revellers.
In London, where tens of thousands will line the Thames for the fireworks, temperatures will hover at just 1–2C at midnight, with clear skies but a sharp chill in the air.
Many across the UK will wake up to a frosty New Year’s Day, while patches of freezing fog could cause problems. Drivers heading out early are urged to take care.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued an amber cold health alert covering the North East and North West of England.
Alerts warning of a potential rise in deaths will remain in place until January 5.
Health experts warn the cold snap could put serious pressure on health and care services, with older people and those with existing conditions most at risk.