The UK Health Security Agency issued a yellow health alert for upcoming cold weather, which is in place until Monday, January 5.
According to the agency, significant impacts are possible across health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, and increased demand for remote healthcare services, impacts on the workforce affecting delivery of services and challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18°C leading to more risk to vulnerable people.
The lowest temperatures are set to drop around Dorset going into Thursday, January 1 are -3C, with biting winds of up to 20mph. Highs during the day are around 6C.
Up north, ice and snow warnings have been issued, however forecasts in Dorset show a dry week ahead.
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.
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.”