Public Health England and the Met Office have issued a warning to keep warm as a spell of cold weather hits the UK.
People are being urged prepare for cold weather conditions and look out for those most at-risk.
Temperatures are set to drop well below freezing across swathes of the country, reaching -2C in some areas.
The full warning from the Met Office and Public Health England:
Current alert level: Level 3 - Cold Weather Action
There is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather between 0900 on Saturday 06 Feb and 2100 on Wednesday 10 Feb in parts of England.
This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.
Although temperatures will be slightly milder today, it will become much colder over the weekend with a strong easterly wind flow developing: during Saturday in the north, reaching the south Saturday night, with wintry showers in eastern and northern counties.
This will likely lead to icy conditions on roads and risk of travel disruption.
There is an increasing risk of significant snowfall in the far southeast / East Anglia as well Saturday night into Sunday.
Very cold temperatures will spread to all parts of the country by the end of Sunday and into Monday morning - the coldest period of the winter so far.
Indications are that all parts of England are going into a notable cold spell of weather as we head into the coming week with sharp overnight frosts, and temperatures near freezing by day, together with cold winds.
An update will be issued when the alert level changes in any region.
Alerts are issued once a day by 0900 if required and are not subject to amendment in between standard issue times.
Weather forecast for London and the South East:
Today:
Any early fog patches will clear slowly through the morning. Otherwise it will be rather cloudy, especially in the morning, but with some showers possible. Sunny intervals developing for the afternoon. Light winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Tonight:
Some showers continuing overnight, becoming more frequent later in the night. Becoming largely cloudy with fog patches developing in light winds. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
Saturday:
Cloudy, with early showers turning to more persistent rain during the morning. Rain then turning mostly to snow during the evening. Winds strengthening, with gales on eastern coasts later. Maximum temperature 8 °C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
A spell of persistent snow is likely on Sunday into Monday, turning more showery with brighter spells on Tuesday. Feeling cold in strong easterly winds, with gales on coasts.
What to do:
As cold weather can increase health risks, it's important to look out for those who are more vulnerable in low temperatures.
Check up on frail or older neighbours and relatives, particularly if they live alone, whilst remembering to follow COVID-19 social distancing guidance.
Dr Ishani Kar-Purkayastha, Consultant in Public Health at PHE, said: "Try to heat your home to at least 18°C, particularly if you have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition, such as heart or lung disease.
"Keep moving too if you can. Get up and walk around and spread housework throughout the day to help keep yourself warm.
Food is also a vital source of energy so have plenty of hot food and drinks.
"Remember to check up on frail or older neighbours and relatives at this time, particularly if they live alone, and remember to follow COVID-19 social distancing guidance when looking out for others.
"Check the Met Office weather forecast to stay aware of the weather in your region."
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