The Met Office has raised its severe cold weather alert to level 2, meaning there will be a danger to life as an icy blast brings the chilliest nights of the season.
Frigid temperatures pose serious health risks to vulnerable Britons and threaten to disrupt the delivery of NHS services between Thursday evening and Monday morning, according to forecasters.
Overnight temperatures are expected to plunge below zero in some parts of the UK, freezing fog could disrupt travel and frost is likely to be widespread.
Daytime temperatures will be chilly, especially in the north. The Met Office said the "greatest period" of cold weather is likely in the 48 hours from 6pm on Thursday, and the chilly conditions are expected to last into next week as
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