Temperatures are set to plummet this week as a cold weather alert has been issued.
With a risk of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow across parts of the country, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging people to stay warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of cold weather.
The Met Office is warning that parts of the UK, including the North West of England, will experience cold weather from midnight on January 4 to midday on January 6.
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With New Year's Eve reportedly being the mildest on record, this week will see a stark difference in numbers - with snow in some parts of the UK expected this month.
This week, some areas of Merseyside will see temperatures drop to as low as 1C on Wednesday, with highs of just 6C.
Similarly, Tuesday will see temperatures plummet to 3C in some areas.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: "Following an exceptionally mild spell, temperatures are set to drop for many in the north of England from late on Monday and into Tuesday.
"This drop in temperatures will spread further south later on Tuesday.
"This change is being brought on by a cold northerly flow, which brings with it the risk of some wintry showers in places in northern England, especially over high ground.
"Minimum temperatures over the next few days are expected to drop below freezing, heightening the risk of some ice formation."
UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful advice on the risks of cold weather and how to keep warm.
For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.
If people cannot heat all the rooms they use, it is important to heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep.
Wearing a few thin layers is better at trapping heat than wearing one thick layer and having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm.
Agostinho Sousa, a Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, added: "Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly for older people and those with heart and lung problems, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections.
"It’s important to check on those who are more vulnerable to cold weather, including older neighbours or relatives – especially those living alone or those who have serious illness.
"Remind them to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit and to keep up to date with the forecast."
The Met Office predicts this week to be 'unsettled' and 'turning much colder'.
Here's the forecast for the week:
Today/tonight:
A few showers to start, ahead of a band of rain edging down from the north through the day, reaching all but southernmost areas by the end of the afternoon. Still on the windy side for many. Maximum temperature 10 °C.
Rain continues to move south and with the wind swinging around to the north, introducing colder air, there is an increasing likelihood of rain turning to snow over the hills. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
Tuesday:
Any residual overnight wet weather soon clearing to the south. Thereafter much brighter, but with coastal showers. Feeling much colder than of late in a strong northerly wind. Maximum temperature 5 °C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
A widespread frost to start Wednesday, then mainly dry and bright. Rain and hill snow sweeping east on Thursday. Cold and windy on Friday with blustery showers, wintry at times.
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