An arctic blast bringing snow and hail will see temperatures in the UK drop as low as -6C, on the coldest night of the winter for some parts of the country.
Today (Thursday, January 20) will bring icy temperatures once again before the mercury plummets further tomorrow, with Brits being told to look after older and vulnerable people who may need some assistance.
In Bristol, the Met Office warns that the temperature will fall to -2C overnight tonight, and won't rise above 6C before the end of next week. Frost is expected tomorrow morning.
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Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir said: “[There will be] Arctic air streaming down from the north delivering snow showers particularly in the far north east of the country before high pressure moves in from the west affecting mainly England and Wales and a stronger wind will develop in Scotland.”
Hail and snow will hammer Scotland as wintry showers move in, and will run down the east coast with an icy northerly wind, with temperatures dropping well below freezing.
Given these expected weather conditions, the UK Health Security Agency has urged people to check neighbours are safe, especially in parts of England which will experience their coldest temperatures of the winter so far.
Agostinho Sousa, a consultant at the agency, 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.
"Remind vulnerable relatives and neighbours to heat their home to at least 18C - particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 or older, or have a health condition. Should they need to go outside, it's important for them to wear shoes with a good grip."
There are bright skies in many areas today ahead of forecast freezing temperatures on Friday, which could be the coldest of the winter in the South.
Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said: "On Friday morning, there'll be a widespread frost. It'll be perhaps the coldest night of the winter for some southern parts of the country."
BBC weather forecaster Chris Fawkes also predicted icy conditions.
He said: "Another cold night to come on Thursday, if anything even colder across England and Wales plummeting the depths, temperatures could get down to about -5C, -6C in the coldest spots.”
It will be milder in the North West with more cloud cover but the south of the country will have brighter skies during the day on Friday.
Met Office's South West forecast
Thursday Jan 20 - Monday Jan 24
Today:
A few showers remain possible in west Cornwall, particularly this morning. Otherwise, for most places it will be a dry day with largely blue skies and periods of bright sunshine. Feeling cold but winds becoming increasingly light Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Tonight:
Largely clear skies through this evening and overnight. Temperatures falling below freezing in most places with a widespread sharp frost developing. Becoming cloudier by dawn in parts of the region. Minimum temperature -5 °C.
Friday:
After a cold start, Friday will generally be cloudier compared to today, however sunny spells are still likely in places. Feeling less cold with winds remaining light. Maximum temperature 8 °C.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Remaining mostly dry and settled. Often fairly cloudy with local drizzle over the hills. Some sunshine is likely at times with patchy frost and fog overnight where skies stay clear.
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