The UK will be hit with its first “significant cold snap” of the season this week, which could see temperatures drop below minus 5C in some areas, a forecaster warned.
Cold winds and blustery showers will accompany plummeting temperatures in northern areas on Thursday and Friday, with sunny spells and overnight frost expected elsewhere.
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 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.”
“It’s not going to be super long-lasting,” he said, “we expect things to turn a bit milder going into next week, but yeah, certainly the first pretty significant cold snap.”
While any snow is likely to be restricted to the hilltops of the Scottish Highlands, Mr Manning warned commuters may need to dig out their ice scrapers to tackle early morning frost.
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, experts said.
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.”
Forecasters expect the cold snap to last into Saturday night before temperatures turn milder on Sunday and into next week.
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