TEMPERATURES are set to plunge as low as -4C today as an Arctic blast grips the UK.

Health chiefs issued a rare warning over the freeze last night as Britain braces itself for the coldest night of winter tomorrow.

The mercury plunged as low as -4C in the north west of England this morning, with the chill set to continue overnight.

Temperatures will get as low as -3C in the north west, Wales and south west of England, while dipping below zero throughout the country later today.

Forecasters say it will be so cold that overnight frosts will last all day in some areas.

And Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said southerners are set to shiver as the week goes on.

"On Friday morning, there'll be a widespread frost," he said.

"It'll be perhaps the coldest night of the winter for some southern parts of the country."

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The UK Health and Security Agency has alerted people in central and southern England to look out for vulnerable neighbours during the chill.

However, the weather will be milder in the north-west, where there'll be cloudier skies to limit the frost.

Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale, said earlier this week: "A change in conditions brings cold air to the UK.

"It'll spread from the north later on Wednesday then lingering over England and Wales for the rest of the week and into the weekend.

"With easing winds and good clear spells, a widespread frost is likely on Thursday and Friday morning with temperatures recovering somewhat by day."

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It's been predicted that snow will fall in London before the end of the winter.

Flurries are expected to hit the capital on February 9.

Before that, however, parts of Scotland and the north-east will face a battering on January 28.

Meanwhile, Agostinho Sousa, consultant in public health medicine at the organisation, warned the cold can have a deadly toll.

"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," she said.

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"Remind vulnerable relatives and neighbours to heat their home to at least 18C – 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."

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