The whole of England has been placed under a rare amber cold health alert amid snow and ice warnings for the start of the New Year.
The UK Health Security Agency last night activated amber cold-health alerts across every region of England, running from 8pm on December 31 through to the morning of January 6.
Temperatures have already dropped to nearly -10C in parts of the UK, with snow and ice forecast for much of the country in coming days.
The amber warning level indicates weather conditions will probably cause "significant impacts" on public health, including excess deaths among those aged 65 and over.
Younger people may also be affected, according to the agency.
Dr Paul Coleman, a health protection consultant at the UKHSA, confirmed that "very cold" conditions will persist across England over the coming days.
"Low temperatures like these can have serious impacts on the health of some people, particularly older people and those with serious health conditions," he said.
"Exposure to cold can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections."
'Very cold' conditions will persist across England over the coming days
|PA
Dr Coleman went on to stress the importance of looking out for those most at risk during the cold spell.
"It is therefore really important, as the colder weather sets in, to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable," he added.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for snow and ice affecting all four Home Nations over the coming days.
A warning covering a broad stretch of England and Wales runs from midnight until noon on Friday, spanning from Chester and Greater Manchester down to Kent.
COLD WEATHER HITS - READ MORE:
The whole of England has been placed under a rare amber cold health alert
|UKHSA
Some areas could see snowfall reaching 5cm, with higher ground in North Wales and north-west England most likely to be affected.
Northern Ireland faces a separate warning between midnight and 10am on Friday, while northern Scotland has alerts running from New Year's Day through to Sunday evening.
Transport disruption is expected, with longer journey times anticipated across roads, buses and trains.
The Met Office has also cautioned about injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.
New Year's Eve revellers heading to outdoor celebrations were also urged to prepare for bitter conditions across the country
| REUTERSNew Year's Eve revellers heading to outdoor celebrations were also urged to prepare for bitter conditions across the country.
Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: "At midnight in London there will be mostly clear skies, it will be quite chilly, but with fairly light winds, with temperatures around 1-2C."
Cardiff stayed dry as fireworks rang out, with slightly warmer temperatures of 2-3C and light winds.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay festivities contended with wind gusts of up to 25-30mph, meanwhile.