The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its first cold-health alert of the winter, warning of a greater "risk to life" for vulnerable people as temperatures are forecast to plummet below average.
The yellow alert covers the North West and West Midlands, running from 9am on Thursday, November 12, until noon on Saturday, November 14. Other regions of England are currently unaffected.
Health risks and advice
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 over-65s and people with certain health issues including heart and lung problems, experts added.
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," she added.
Temperature plunge and forecast
Temperatures are expected to fall after much of the country experienced foggy conditions in the first part of the week. The Met Office said that by Wednesday, colder conditions will begin to move into the north, with snow showers expected in northern Scotland overnight on Wednesday into Thursday.
Colder air will spread further south across the UK through Thursday and Friday, it added. Forecasters said temperatures are expected to fall below average widely by Thursday and particularly Friday, with frost predicted. They said the far north east will also feel particularly cold in stronger winds.
Impact on vulnerable groups
It is predicted that over the weekend cold conditions are likely to become less widespread, with temperatures recovering closer to average.
Nazir Hussain, clinical lead at the charity Asthma and Lung UK, said: "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.
