Holidaymakers and expats travelling from Spain to the UK this weekend could be in for a serious shock to the system, as Britain’s first cold-health alert of the winter brings freezing temperatures, overnight frost and a reminder to wrap up warm.

With temperatures falling below zero in parts of the country, health officials have issued a yellow warning for vulnerable people, urging families to check on older relatives and neighbours as the cold weather takes hold.

For anyone swapping the milder November conditions of Spain for a weekend in Britain, packing an extra jumper might be more important than expected.

First cold-health alert of the winter

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its first yellow cold-health alert of the 2026/27 winter season, covering the North West and West Midlands of England.

The alert came into force at 9am on Thursday, November 12, and is due to remain in place until midday on Saturday, November 14. Other regions of England are not currently covered by the health warning.

The alert has been issued because falling temperatures could have an impact on vulnerable members of the population, potentially increasing pressure on health and social care services.

According to the UKHSA, people aged 65 and over, those with existing health conditions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and people sleeping rough are among those most at risk.

Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at the agency, said this was the first cold-health alert of the winter, adding that further warnings could be expected as the season progresses.

She urged people to look out for friends, family members and neighbours who might struggle during the colder spell.

Temperatures could fall below freezing

The cold snap has already brought some of the lowest temperatures of the season, with frost reported across parts of Britain.

The Met Office warned that temperatures could drop to between -6C and -7C in some rural and frost-prone locations, particularly overnight. Several towns also experienced sub-zero temperatures, including Kendal, where the mercury was forecast to reach -1C in the early hours.

The cold conditions are being driven by northerly winds bringing colder air down across the country, with overnight frosts expected in many areas.

However, there is some relief for weekend visitors. The Met Office expects the coldest conditions to become less widespread, with temperatures moving closer to seasonal averages. Saturday should remain largely dry across England and Wales, although cloudier conditions are expected, while Sunday is forecast to bring more unsettled weather, with rain and showers in several areas.

Spain offers a much milder alternative

For travellers heading north from Spain, the contrast could be considerable.

Saturday’s forecast for Spain shows temperatures reaching around 24C in Alicante, 22C in Malaga and 21C in Palma, compared with the freezing overnight conditions experienced in parts of Britain.

Even Barcelona is forecast to reach around 21C on Saturday, according to Spain’s state meteorological agency AEMET.

That means visitors could be exchanging mild Mediterranean afternoons for frosty British mornings, making suitable clothing particularly important for anyone planning to spend time outdoors.

Of course, conditions vary considerably across both countries, and travellers should check the local forecast for their destination before setting off.

Who is most at risk from the cold?

The UKHSA stresses that cold weather is not simply an inconvenience for everyone.

Older people, particularly those aged 65 and over, and people living with existing health conditions can be more vulnerable to falling temperatures. Respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are among those highlighted by health officials.

People sleeping rough are also at particular risk during periods of cold weather.

The agency is encouraging the public to take a few straightforward precautions, including keeping homes adequately heated where possible, wearing warm clothing and checking on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.

Its advice is particularly important for anyone who lives alone or may struggle to keep their home warm.

What should travellers know before setting off?

For British expats living in Spain who are returning to the UK for a weekend visit, the message is to prepare for a different sort of November.

Pack a proper winter coat, bring extra layers and remember that temperatures can feel considerably colder after sunset, particularly in exposed or rural areas.

It is also worth checking the forecast for the specific town or region you are visiting, rather than relying on general national predictions.

The yellow cold-health alert is currently limited to England’s North West and West Midlands, rather than being a nationwide warning or a travel restriction.

For now, the biggest adjustment for anyone flying north from Spain may simply be remembering what a proper British November feels like.