It’s about to get a lot colder.

Sub-zero temperatures and widespread frosts are set to hit parts of the UK in a cold snap that will last until the weekend.

The plummeting temperatures have led the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue a cold weather alert for central and southern England this week.

People are being urged to keep warm and look out for those most at risk from the effects of colder conditions, such as the elderly and those who struggle with mobility.

Today will get off to a sunny but foggy start in places, before temperatures gradually drop as the day goes on.

The Met Office said the West Midlands, East Midlands, East, South East and South West will see colder temperatures from around 6pm today, and will stay chilly until around 9am on Sunday.

Stephen Partridge, a Met Office meteorologist, said that the weather was ‘one for getting the big coats out’ with temperatures as low as 3°C to 5°C during the day and -5°C at night on Thursday.

‘It will certainly be a noticeable change,’ he said.

‘One for getting the bigger coats out really, through the end of the week.

‘Less of the milder conditions we’ve had by day and certainly widespread frosts overnight.

‘Thankfully, it’s going to be mostly dry, so ice shouldn’t be too much of an issue.’

He added that the cold weather was due to Arctic air blowing across the UK.

Scotland, northern England and the east of England could also see snow as showers turn wintery.

Snow is expected to keep falling on higher ground in Scotland and even to lower levels in northern areas on England on Thursday as the ‘Artic chill’ continues.

Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at the UKHSA, urged Brits to remind elderly neighbours to heat their homes.

‘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,’ he said.

‘Remind vulnerable relatives and neighbours to heat their home to at least 18°C, 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.’

The alert comes as the Alzheimer’s Society warned colder weather can bring specific challenges for those living with dementia and can even make symptoms temporarily worse.

The charity said: ‘People with dementia aren’t always able to communicate the fact they’re cold – or they may not even recognise it themselves.’

Simple measures can be taken to ensure they stay safe and warm, the organisation added.

These include making sure those with dementia are dressed for colder weather, supporting them across icy and snowy surfaces outside and encouraging regular movement as well as regular meals.

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