The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has extended the current level 3 cold weather alert until Wednesday.
There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather and icy conditions between 9am Friday 20 January and 9am Wednesday 25 January across England.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA said: ‘During this period, it is important to check in on family, friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to the cold weather.'
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‘If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat your home to at least 18°C if you can,’ she added.
The cold weather poses a risk to older people and those with pre-existing health conditions as it increases the risks of heart attack, strokes and chest infections.
Earlier this week chief meteorologist Jason Kelly at the Met Office said: ‘Warnings have been issued and ice is likely to be a hazard for much of the week with some tricky travel conditions possible. Maximum temperatures will largely only reach the low single figures with temperatures below freezing through most nights this week.’
The Met Office are advising people to heat their living rooms during the day and their bedroom just before they go to sleep if they are unable to heat all the rooms they use.