Temperatures in Merseyside are set to fall to 0C on Thursday as the UK experiences its first significant cold snap of the season, with a yellow cold health alert issued for the region.
The Met Office has warned that temperatures could drop below minus 5C in some rural areas, while cold winds and blustery showers are expected to accompany the plummeting temperatures in northern areas on Thursday and Friday.
Coldest day in Liverpool
In Liverpool, Thursday will be the coldest day, with highs of 8C and lows of 0C. The rest of the week will remain in single digits, with highs of 9C on Sunday and lows of 5C.
The lowest temperatures are likely to hit rural areas in the north-west and south of England, as well as southern Scotland, south-west and central Wales and the Midlands.
Met Office warning
Met Office spokesman Paddy Manning said the next two days will likely bring "some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far".
He said: "(On) Thursday night, Friday night, certainly we're expecting some rather cold temperatures, especially in rural areas in the south, but (there) possibly could be some isolated overnight lows, maybe even a touch below minus 5C in the odd place."
Mr Manning added: "It's not going to be super long-lasting. We expect things to turn a bit milder going into next week, but certainly the first pretty significant cold snap."
Health alert issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the first cold health alert of the winter, with a yellow warning in place for north-west England and the West Midlands from 9am on Thursday to noon on Saturday. Other regions of England are currently unaffected.
Health leaders said low temperatures can result in a spike in use of health and care services, as they urged people to check on loved ones and neighbours. Colder weather can also lead to increased risk for people aged over 65 and for people with certain health issues including heart and lung problems.
Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: "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."
While any snow is likely to be restricted to the hilltops of the Scottish Highlands, commuters may need to dig out their ice scrapers to tackle early morning frost. Forecasters expect the cold snap to last into Saturday night before temperatures turn milder on Sunday and into next week.
