The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold health alert for the North West and West Midlands, as temperatures are expected to fall below average by Thursday and Friday, bringing biting frosts and chilly winds to parts of the country.
The alert is in place from 9am on Thursday to noon on Saturday. Other regions of England remain unaffected at this stage, according to the UKHSA.
Health risks and advice
Health leaders have warned that plummeting temperatures can trigger a surge in demand for health and care services, urging people to keep a close eye on friends, loved ones and neighbours. Experts also cautioned that colder conditions can heighten risks for the over-65s and those living with certain health conditions, including heart and lung problems.
Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA, warned: "This is the first cold health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season. Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable."
"We're also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall. Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather," she added.
Forecast details
Temperatures are set to plummet after much of the nation endured foggy spells during the early part of the week. The Met Office has warned that by Wednesday, a cold snap will begin pushing into the north, bringing snow showers to northern Scotland overnight from Wednesday into Thursday.
Chilly air will then sweep further southwards across the UK throughout Thursday and Friday, forecasters added. Temperatures are widely expected to dip below average by Thursday, with Friday looking particularly bitter and widespread frost on the cards. The far north east is also bracing for an especially harsh chill, with blustery winds adding to the misery.
Come the weekend, the cold snap is predicted to ease, with temperatures gradually climbing back towards seasonal norms.
Impact on vulnerable groups
Nazir Hussain, clinical lead at the charity Asthma and Lung UK, warned: "The freezing conditions forecast for the next few days could be particularly dangerous for the 12 million people in the UK living with a lung condition, with thousands rushed to hospital with respiratory illness every winter."
"If you have a lung condition take preventative steps to manage your health during the cold weather," he added.
