00:00A UK Health Security Agency study has investigated how colder temperatures affected mortality during three winter periods between 2024 and
00:092025 across England, including the North East.
00:13The analysis identified periods where mean daily temperatures fell below 2 degrees Celsius for two or more consecutive days and
00:21calculated the number of deaths occurring above expected levels, termed cold-associated deaths.
00:27Nationally, there were 2,544 deaths estimated over the three episodes, with the strongest impact among those aged 85 and
00:37older.
00:39Regionally, all areas except the North East showed a measurable link between cold and mortality.
00:45Dr. Agustino Sosa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection, said his outcome was somewhat unexpected and should be interpreted
00:54cautiously.
00:54He noted that potential explanations include better home insulation, acclimatisation of cold weather, or study methodology limitations, and emphasised that
01:04a single definite of cause could not be identified.
01:07Further research is required to understand why the North East appears to experience fewer cold-associated deaths.
01:14Cold-associated mortality in other regions was most pronounced among older populations.
01:19The North East's apparent resilience could involve a combination of long-standing adaptation, housing standards, community support, and behavioural responses
01:28to sustained lower temperatures.
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