Temperatures could fall below −5°C in isolated rural spots as the UK faces its first significant cold snap of the season, with health alerts issued for north-west England and the West Midlands.

Thursday and Friday nights are expected to bring some of the lowest temperatures recorded so far this season. The coldest areas are likely to include rural parts of north-west and southern England, the Midlands, southern Scotland, and south-west and central Wales.

Met Office spokesman Paddy Manning said isolated overnight temperatures could dip a little below −5°C. Cold winds and blustery showers are forecast for northern areas on Thursday and Friday, while elsewhere there will be sunny spells followed by overnight frost.

Snow is likely to remain confined to the hilltops of the Scottish Highlands. For commuters elsewhere, Manning highlighted the more immediate prospect of scraping frost from windscreens before early journeys.

The UK Health Security Agency’s first cold health alert of the winter runs from 9am on Thursday until noon on Saturday. The yellow alert covers north-west England and the West Midlands; no other English regions are currently under a cold health alert.

Health officials warn that low temperatures can increase demand for health and care services. People aged 65 and over, alongside those with certain existing conditions, including heart and lung problems, face greater risks.

Dr Anya Gopfert, a consultant in public health at the agency, urged people to check on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours. She said: “Keeping homes heated where possible and dressing warmly can help people stay safe and well during colder weather.”

The alert ends at noon on Saturday, but forecasters expect the cold spell to persist into Saturday night. Milder conditions should arrive on Sunday and continue into next week.