A five-day cold snap is set to hit England with temperatures dropping as low as 24F (-4C) in parts of the country, with people urged to check on their vulnerable neighbours.
There is a risk of freezing conditions and prolonged periods of fog across the centre and south of the country from 6pm on Thursday, January 13, to 9am on Monday, January 17.
The UK Health Security Agency has put a Level 2 cold weather alert in place and encouraged people 'to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather'.
The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for 'dense fog patches' starting from 10pm tonight until 12pm tomorrow in central and southern England, as well as parts of Wales.
Freezing conditions are set hit parts of southern and central England from Thursday until Monday, while the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for fog from 10pm tonight
From Thursday afternoon, the Met Office is warning that the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, London, South East England and South West England regions will experience cold weather.
Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said: 'As we continue to experience very low temperatures this winter it’s important to remember to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, such as elderly or frail friends and family, especially if they live alone or with a serious illness.'
She said the 'most vulnerable' should heat their homes to at least 64F (18C) particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition.
She also advised people to wear shoes with good grip if they need to go outside during the cold weather.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman said: 'Temperatures in central and southern England are expected to trend downwards from Thursday, with overnight minimum temperatures
