Sociodemographic vulnerability to cold and stormy weather in relation to health and life

Cold weather is the leading weather-related health threat in the UK, and winter storms can cause significant damage and disruption to society. However, their effects on the UK public’s daily life and health remain underexplored. Leveraging resources from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, we surveyed 2736 individuals about their experiences and behaviour during a cold spell and Storms Henk, Isha, and Jocelyn in January 2024. Over half of respondents reported reduced physical activity during cold (51%) and stormy weather (53%), and worsened mood during the storms (57%). Certain sociodemographic groups had more than twice the odds of reporting negative impacts compared to other groups during both cold and storms: females, individuals aged ≤34, and those with a disability reported worse appetite; unemployed and employed individuals (compared to retired respondents) reported lower productivity; and those with a long-term health condition or disability reported worse physical health and access to healthcare. While over 90% of respondents were aware of severe weather warnings and more than 80% took adaptive actions, enhanced public messaging on staying active indoors and seasonal vaccinations, and financial support for home heating are crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of cold and stormy weather.