Cold alerts have been issued across five major UK regions as the country braces for a wintry blast that could drop temperatures to "as low as -7C", according to the Met Office.
Yellow warnings have been put in place for the East Midlands, North East, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber from November 17 until Friday, November 21.
The alerts, issued jointly by the UK Health Security Agency and Met Office, warned the cold plunge could result in a "rise in deaths" among those over 65 and with health conditions in affected regions.
It comes as the nation reels from the battering of Storm Claudia, which saw deluges of rain and flooding hit south Wales and central England
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley, said: “As Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the northwest will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK."
"This will bring much colder conditions than of late and, whilst generally drier than recent days," he added.
"There will also be a risk of wintry hazards, such as snow and ice.
“There will be widespread frosts across the UK, with temperatures dipping as low as -7C in places next week, and daytime temperatures staying in single figures across the country.
The Met Office predicts a cold snap descending from the Arctic
|MET OFFICE
"Couple this with a brisk northerly wind, and there will be a marked wind chill.
"This will be a notable change in our weather after a prolonged spell of above-average temperatures. People should keep an eye on the forecast in their area as it is possible warnings may be issued for snow and ice at times.”
As a result, UK Health Security Agency and Met Office have issued wellbeing warnings have been issued for areas expected to be worst hit by the colder temperatures.
"Significant impacts are possible across health and social care services," they informed.
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The predicted temperatures on Sunday
|MET OFFICE
This included a "rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions".
"We may also see impacts on younger age groups," the agencies added.
"Increased demand for remote healthcare services, impacts on the workforce affecting delivering of services and challenges keeping indoor temperatures at the recommended 18C leading to more risk to vulnerable people."
With the potential for freezing temperatures, snow and ice in places, the Met Office has advised a number of "simple steps" to prepare someone's home, garden or business.
This includes keeping a home warm as cold weather can be a risk to a person's health, particularly for people over 65 years of age.
The Met Office has also advised to weatherproof the home and garden, including keeping garden furniture, trampolines, and children's toys in a safe place.
Those looking to drive should check their tyres and use a screen wash additive to keep windscreens free of winter road grime.
Further adverse weather comes as the UK is still recovering from the ravages of Storm Claudia.
The storm hit northwest Wales and northwest England and saw strong winds with 68mph recorded at Warcop Range in Cumbria and 63mph at Aberdaron in Gwynedd.
It saw accumulations of 119.6mm recorded between 6pm on Thursday and 6am on Saturday at a Natural Resources ales rain gauge at Tafalog in Gwent.
Over the same period, 80.6mm was recorded at an Environment Agency rain gauge at Suckley in Worcestershire.
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