NHS England said on 22 January 2026 that the NHS is preparing for a predicted cold snap this weekend and into next week, which it says is set to add further pressure on the health service. The announcement came alongside weekly winter figures showing hospitals at their busiest levels for this time of year since before COVID-191.
More general and acute hospital beds were occupied in the week ending 18 January (94.5%) than at any point during the middle of January since 2020 (95%), the NHS said1. There were an average of 823 patients in hospital with norovirus each day last week, the highest number so far this winter, up 45% on the previous week and more than double the figure a fortnight earlier (361)1.
Some measures improved. Average ambulance handover times last week were 37:22, more than five minutes faster than the previous week (42:51). A&E data published the previous week showed 73.8% of patients were admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours in December, which the NHS described as the best it has been for five years1.
NHS National Medical Director Professor Meghana Pandit said:
"A rise in this vomiting virus is leaving hospitals under pressure. Norovirus cases didn't peak until February last winter, so we're monitoring closely for further increases ahead of another predicted cold snap this weekend."
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said the government was investing £450 million to expand urgent and emergency care and putting 500 new ambulances on the road this winter1.
| Measure | Latest figure | Comparison given |
|---|---|---|
| General and acute bed occupancy, week ending 18 Jan | 94.5% | Highest mid-January since 2020 (95%) |
| Average norovirus patients in hospital per day, last week | 823 | Up 45% on previous week; more than double 361 a fortnight earlier |
| Average ambulance handover time, last week | 37:22 | Previous week 42:51 |
| Patients admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours, December | 73.8% | Best for five years |
Why it matters for households
The cold snap is predicted for this weekend and into next week in England, and NHS England says it will add further pressure on the health service at a time when norovirus cases are already rising1. The NHS advises frequent handwashing with soap and water to help prevent the spread of norovirus, and says people should not return to work, school or visit hospitals until they are 48 hours symptom-free. It advises anyone whose symptoms are severe, persist beyond a few days, or who is concerned to call NHS 111 or their GP1.
NHS England says cold weather advice is available from the NHS.uk website, including how to keep warm and how to get help with heating. It says people are encouraged to look in on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours, and to go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for advice, or if they feel unwell themselves1. The Met Office has not been quoted in this announcement; any weather warnings for the weekend have not been reported here. Households preparing for snow and low temperatures can read the guide to storms and snow.
What happens next
The predicted cold snap is expected this weekend and into next week, according to NHS England1. Professor Pandit said norovirus cases did not peak until February last winter and that the NHS is monitoring closely for further increases1.
