Home / Health / Cold Snap Claims Over 2,500 Lives Last Winter
Cold Snap Claims Over 2,500 Lives Last Winter
18 Feb
Summary
- Over 2,500 deaths linked to cold weather from November 2024 to January 2025.
- Older adults, especially those over 85, faced the highest mortality risk.
- Circulatory diseases were the leading cause of cold-related fatalities.
Official figures reveal that more than 2,500 individuals died due to cold weather in the UK between November 2024 and January 2025. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported three cold episodes during this period, with a six-day cold snap in early January being the most severe, accounting for 1,630 deaths.
Key findings indicate that older people, especially those aged over 85, were disproportionately affected. Circulatory diseases, such as heart conditions, were linked to the highest number of these deaths, totaling 834. While most deaths occurred in hospitals, the risk increased notably for those in care homes and who died at home.
The UKHSA's analysis, which combines death registrations with temperature data, suggests mortality peaks about five days after cold weather. The report also indicates a potential increase in vulnerability to cold compared to previous winters, possibly due to an aging population and a higher burden of disease.
Dr. Agostinho Sousa emphasized that cold weather remains a serious, preventable public health risk. This evidence helps tailor winter preparedness and ensures cold weather alerts reflect actual health impacts, not just meteorological conditions.
