Some people’s health could be at risk as temperatures plummet, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned.
It has issued a yellow cold health alert for the North West and West Midlands from 09:00 GMT on Thursday until 12:00 on Saturday.
It warned that the cold conditions could have a “serious impact” on people with health problems.
Temperatures could fall as low as -1C (30F) in Chester, and Barnoldswick in Lancashire on Friday morning.
Other regions of England are not currently expected to be affected.
Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in public health at the 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.”
The Met Office said that by Wednesday, colder conditions would begin to move into the north, with snow showers expected in northern Scotland overnight on Wednesday into Thursday.
Colder air will spread further south across the UK through Thursday and Friday, it added.