An official 'cold weather alert' has been issued for Greater Manchester, with the UK Health Security Agency warning of 'a risk of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow' across parts of the country.
Public health consultants have urged residents to check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives during the cold snap.
The cold weather alert begins tonight - Tuesday - and will run until the end of the week.
Minimum temperatures over the next few days are expected to drop below freezing.
It comes as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice for parts of the region from midnight on Friday to 10am on Saturday.
It covers parts of Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and Wigan.
The warning also covers parts of Lancashire, West Yorkshire, Cumbria, Scotland and Ireland.
The UKHSA, in a published statement today, said: "With a risk of severe cold weather, icy conditions and heavy snow across parts of the country, the UK Health Security Agency 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 the North East of England, North West of England and Yorkshire and Humber regions will experience cold weather from midnight on Tuesday, January 4 to midday on Thursday, January 6."
Agostinho Sousa, a Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said: "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."
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 said it has supplemented the 'Cold Weather Plan for England' with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and Covid-19 and 'Keep Warm Keep Well' guidance.
"If people can't heat all the rooms they use, it's 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. Having plenty of hot food and drinks is also effective for keeping warm," added UKHSA.
Forecasters say there could be 'frequent sleet and snow showers' which could lead to some difficult driving conditions.
There may also be disruption to travel on Friday morning, with some roads and railways likely to be affected.
