London has activated its severe weather emergency protocol as temperatures fall to 0C. The measure triggers the opening of emergency accommodation across the capital, forming part of a coordinated London severe weather response involving boroughs and homelessness charities. The protocol aims to ensure that people sleeping rough are brought indoors when conditions are considered life threatening.
According to the latest figures, more than 13,000 people were seen sleeping rough by outreach workers in London during the 2024 to 2025 count. This is the highest number ever recorded on London’s CHAIN database. The London severe weather response is designed to offer an immediate safety net when freezing temperatures increase risks for those without shelter.
The mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, said the protocol would ensure everyone sleeping rough was offered emergency accommodation and support. He noted that boroughs housed more than 2,000 people last winter when the same measures were put in place. Local authorities are now preparing similar provision as temperatures again reach levels at which serious harm could occur.
Homelessness charity St Mungo’s is one of the organisations involved in the London severe weather response. Hannah Faulkner of the charity said that freezing conditions significantly heighten the dangers faced by people sleeping rough. She explained that prolonged exposure to cold and wet environments can lead to conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite and respiratory illness, and can worsen existing health issues. She added that in some cases cold weather exposure can be fatal. Teams from St Mungo’s are working around the clock to bring people indoors and connect them with essential support services.
London Councils, which represents the capital’s boroughs, is also emphasising the importance of rapid action. Grace Williams, executive member for housing and regeneration, said rough sleeping is always dangerous but becomes a serious threat to life in severe cold. She stated that boroughs are working to prepare emergency accommodation and assist people to come off the streets when temperatures drop.
The London severe weather response will continue while freezing conditions persist. Boroughs and charities are maintaining outreach efforts to ensure that those sleeping rough are informed of available accommodation and encouraged to accept support.
