Weather maps have pinpointed the areas of the Midlands set to endure the most severe cold snap in the coming days, as the conditions for additional government Cold Weather Payments are officially met.
Sub-Zero Temperatures Forecast
According to detailed projections from WX Charts, which utilises Metdesk data, temperatures are predicted to plummet to a biting -2°C in Birmingham by midnight on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The chill will be even more intense in parts of the Black Country, Staffordshire, and Shropshire, where the mercury could drop to a frigid -3°C.
These forecasts indicate a prolonged period of freezing conditions, directly impacting the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) support scheme for vulnerable residents.
Automatic £25 Payments Activated
The anticipated freeze has triggered the Cold Weather Payment scheme across multiple postcodes. This government initiative provides automatic £25 payments to households receiving certain benefits during extended periods of exceptionally cold weather.
The payment is activated for a specific area when the average temperature is recorded, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for seven consecutive days. The DWP states: "You’ll get £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026."
List of Affected Postcode Areas
As of Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the cold weather conditions had already triggered payments for residents in at least 14 postcode districts across the Midlands region. The affected areas, grouped by their triggering weather station, are:
Triggered by Keele weather station (Staffordshire):
- Penkridge, ST19
- Stafford, ST17
- Stafford, ST16
Triggered by Shawbury weather station (Shropshire):
- Shifnal, TF11
- Newport, TF10
- Broseley, TF12
- Madeley, TF7
- The Gorge, TF8
- Hollinswood, TF3
- Telford, TF4
- St Georges and Priorslee, TF2
- Wellington, TF1
- Wellington, TF5
- Rodington, TF6
With the latest forecasts predicting further sub-zero temperatures, it is expected that additional postcodes will meet the criteria, prompting more payments from the DWP to help residents manage the escalating heating costs during this severe winter spell.
