Weather-Health Alert system user guide

During the summer and winter seasons, UKHSA and the Met Office monitor the weather forecasts and where episodes of hot or cold weather are identified using predefined evidence-based considerations, a joint dynamic risk assessment is carried out and the appropriate alert issued.

Users need to register for the Weather-Health Alert (WHA) system where they can specify the government region they wish to receive alerts for.

The Heat-Health Alert (HHA) operates from 1 June to 30 September and the Cold-Health Alert (CHA) operates from 1 November to 30 March.

An out-of-season alert may still be issued if impacts from adverse weather on health (heat or cold) are expected.

Depending on the level of alert, a response is triggered to communicate the risk to NHS England, the government and the public health system.

Advice and information are sent to the public and health and social care professionals, particularly those working with at-risk groups, after an alert is issued or updated.