UK Health Security Agency reports 2,200 cold-related deaths in England during winter 2025 to 2026
The UK Health Security Agency published its cold mortality monitoring report on 22 October 2026. The report estimates that cold weather caused about 2,200 deaths in England across five cold periods during winter 2025 to 2026. This figure is lower than the 2,788 cold-associated deaths estimated during winter 2024 to 2025 across three cold episodes. The single most severe period was a nine-day spell in early January, which was linked to 1,563 deaths. Circulatory diseases accounted for the largest share of deaths, totaling an estimated 757. These estimates matter to the public because they reveal how brief spells of low temperatures increase mortality risks, particularly for older adults, people with heart or lung conditions, and those living in poorly heated homes. The health agency uses this statistical data alongside weather forecasts to issue Cold-Weather Alerts and help public health services prepare for winter pressures.
What was announced
The UK Health Security Agency released its cold mortality monitoring report for winter 2025 to 2026. The agency recorded an estimated 2,200 cold-associated deaths across five cold weather episodes in England. A nine-day period in early January accounted for the majority of these deaths, with an estimated 1,563 fatalities.
Circulatory conditions caused 757 of the cold-associated deaths, marking the highest total among specific medical causes. Mortality risk for circulatory diseases, cancer, and accidents increased as temperatures dropped. Influenza, pneumonia, dementia, and chronic lower respiratory diseases showed risk increases during cold weather as well as during some milder stretches. Regionally, the North West recorded the highest mortality rate at 52 deaths per million people. No cold-associated deaths were identified in the North East.
What it means
To calculate these figures, the UK Health Security Agency compares daily death registrations against Met Office temperature data. Death certificates do not list cold weather as an official cause of death. Statistical models estimate how drop-offs in temperature increase mortality risks over several days.
The findings show that cold snaps can cause serious health harm even when total winter deaths drop year-on-year. Certain groups face higher risks during cold weather. These include people aged 65 and over, individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, people with dementia, and households in fuel poverty or poorly insulated housing.
What the announcement does not tell us
The announcement does not explain why the North East recorded zero cold-associated deaths despite experiencing colder weather than other regions. The agency states that housing quality, heating habits, population health, and personal adaptation might cause these regional differences, but further research is required.
The document does not detail individual personal cases or exact daily mortality tallies. It also does not compare these numbers directly to heat mortality figures, as the statistical measurement methods for heat and cold differ.
How this was written
This analysis was written with AI from the official announcement below, using only facts that announcement states. The quoted wording is gov.uk: UK Health Security Agency’s own. Always check the original before acting on anything here.
Findings from the report show that 2,200 deaths were associated with cold weather in England during winter 2025 to 2026.
Opens www.gov.uk
More from gov.uk: UK Health Security Agency
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