A Cold Weather Alert has been issued for parts of England by the UK Health Security Agency.
It has said icy conditions and heavy snow are due in the north of the country on Friday and into Saturday morning.
The UKHSA is now asking people to keep warm and look out for those most at risk of falling temperatures.
The alert comes as a series of weather alerts are in force for Storm Dudley and Storm Eunice with the Government calling an emergency meeting of the Cobra committee to discuss the UK's response to the extreme weather.
The Met Office warns the North West, North East and Yorkshire and Humber regions will experience cold weather from midnight on Thursday (February 17) to 9am on Saturday (February 19).
Agostinho Sousa, 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.
"Remind those most vulnerable to heat their home to at least 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit, particularly if they have reduced mobility, are 65 and over, or have a health condition. Should they need to go outside, it’s important for them to wear shoes with a good grip.
Helen Caughey, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "Temperatures are expected to fluctuate around average over the next few days. While milder conditions are expected to dominate in the south, temperatures will be colder in northern England.
"Storm Eunice will bring snow to some northern areas on Friday and the very windy conditions will contribute towards a marked wind chill. Widespread frost is probable on Saturday morning."
UKHSA has supplemented the Cold Weather Plan for England with useful resources and advice on the concurrent risks of cold weather and coronavirus (COVID-19) and Keep Warm Keep Well guidance.
For people struggling to afford heating bills, Simple Energy Advice provides free advice on energy efficiency and national grants that are available to help keep you warm this winter.
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.
