Health chiefs have issued the first cold health warning of the season with temperatures expected to plummet as cool Arctic air sweeps across the UK.

Temperatures are forecast to drop, with some parts of the country expected to see frost, cold winds and temperatures below freezing.

A yellow cold health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the North West and West Midlands. The alert will be in place from 9am on Thursday until 12pm on Saturday.

Health leaders have encouraged people to check on their loved ones and neighbours, saying low temperatures can lead to a spike in the use of health and care services.

Experts added that colder weather can also result in increased risk for over-65s and people with certain health conditions, such as heart and lung problems.

Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: “This is the first cold-health alert of the winter, but we can expect more as we move further into the season.

“Cold weather can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, so it is vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours who are most vulnerable.

“We’re also reminding people to take simple steps to stay warm and look after their health as temperatures begin to fall. Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather.”

Temperatures are forecast to plummet to minus figures in parts of the UK on Thursday and Friday as cool air from the Arctic sweeps across the UK.

The cold air is clear meaning there will still be plenty of sunshine, unlike the mist and fog that covered the UK in recent days.

But despite the blue skies temperatures will drop to -2C in parts of northern England on Friday morning with temperatures reaching highs of just 9C in the south west. In London temperatures are forecast to drop to 2C with highs of 7C, according to the Met Office.

Some wintery showers have been forecast in parts of Scotland on Thursday night, but most of the UK will see clear skies.

Dry with bright spells for many today. Blustery showers continue across northern and eastern Scotland, wintry over higher ground, with a few showers possible in Northern Ireland and later along North Sea coasts. Feeling cold in the wind.

Showers linger around coasts, most frequent across northern Scotland where they'll be wintry over hills. Elsewhere, clear skies allow widespread frost, with a few fog patches possible in the west.

Bright with sunny spells for many, especially across England and Wales. Cloudier in the north and northwest with some showers or rain, mainly in Scotland. Feeling cold for most.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday: