Greater Manchester is bracing for a fierce blast of winter as the Met Office has issued an updated yellow weather warning for snow and ice, set to impact the entire region from Sunday afternoon into Monday. The warning, which now covers all boroughs of Greater Manchester and stretches across much of the North West, comes as a cold snap that began at the start of January 2026 shows no sign of relenting. Residents have already experienced subzero temperatures, and forecasters are urging caution as snow showers and plunging mercury are expected to cause significant disruption to daily life.
The latest forecast, broadcast by ITV News on January 3, 2026, painted a chilly picture for the weekend ahead. According to ITV, cold weather and snow were already affecting parts of the UK, including Greater Manchester, with the forecast highlighting persistent low temperatures and the potential for wintry precipitation. The Met Office, meanwhile, has been closely tracking the cold snap, which began as the new year dawned and is expected to persist well into the following week.
On Saturday, January 3, temperatures across Greater Manchester struggled to rise above freezing. The Met Office reported that Manchester, Trafford, and Wigan saw highs of just 3°C, while the rest of the region, including Oldham, barely reached 1°C. Overnight lows dipped between -3°C and -5°C, leaving the region waking up to a frosty morning. Despite the chill, forecasters noted that sunshine and clear skies prevailed for much of the day. However, the 'feels like' temperature—factoring in wind chill and humidity—remained stubbornly below zero, reinforcing the severity of the cold snap.
But the worst was yet to come. As reported by ManchesterWorld, the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice set to take effect from 3pm on Sunday, January 4, and last until midday on Monday, January 5. The warning, which initially covered only southern and eastern parts of Greater Manchester, was later expanded to include the entire region. The alert also extends to neighboring areas such as Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cheshire East and West, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, and Warrington.
According to the Met Office, snow showers are forecast to begin early Sunday afternoon and continue until around 6pm, with Bolton expected to see the most significant accumulation—potentially up to six hours of snowfall. Wigan, meanwhile, is likely to experience a mix of sleet and snow, particularly between midday and 4pm. Forecasters anticipate that all boroughs of Greater Manchester will see at least some snow from Sunday afternoon into the evening, with accumulations of 1 to 3 centimeters by Monday morning. In some inland and higher areas, particularly across Wales, totals could reach 5 to 8 centimeters.
The Met Office spokesperson explained the situation in detail: "Snow showers are expected to push further inland across Wales, parts of northwest England, the West Midlands and southwest England during Sunday evening. Along windward coasts, some rain and sleet is likely, but inland showers will fall as snow. Whilst not all locations in the warning area will see snow, 1 to 3cm could develop in many places by Monday morning, with the potential for 5 to 8cm to build up in a few locations, particularly across inland and higher parts of Wales. Icy stretches are likely to form widely."
As the snow arrives, temperatures are forecast to remain bitterly cold. On Sunday, highs will barely reach 3°C in Wigan, 2°C in most of Greater Manchester, and just 1°C in Oldham. After 10pm, skies are expected to clear, causing overnight temperatures to plunge even further—between -6°C and -7°C in most areas, and as low as -9°C in Oldham. Monday will bring little relief, with maximum temperatures in many locations remaining below freezing. Rochdale and Stockport are not expected to climb above 0°C, while Tameside and Oldham may see highs of only -1°C.
The Met Office has emphasized the risk of travel disruption as a result of the snow and ice. The yellow warning specifically highlights the threat to roads, railways, and public transport, with longer journey times likely for commuters and travelers. "Snow and ice has the potential to cause disruption to travel in places later Sunday through to Monday morning," the warning states. Drivers and pedestrians are being urged to exercise extreme caution, as icy surfaces could make walking and driving treacherous. The warning is particularly pertinent for those who commute early on Monday, as icy stretches are expected to form widely overnight.
ITV News has been keeping viewers up to date with the evolving weather situation, underscoring the seriousness of the cold snap and the importance of heeding official advice. The network's coverage has included detailed forecasts, expert commentary, and practical tips for staying safe during severe winter weather. As the region prepares for the onslaught of snow and freezing temperatures, public services and local authorities are also ramping up efforts to mitigate the impact—gritting roads, preparing emergency shelters, and issuing guidance to residents.
For many in Greater Manchester, the cold snap is a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability to sudden changes in weather. While the North West is no stranger to wintery conditions, the combination of prolonged subzero temperatures, snow, and ice warnings has heightened concern. The Met Office's decision to extend the weather warning to cover all parts of Greater Manchester reflects the seriousness of the situation. As their spokesperson noted, "All boroughs of Greater Manchester are forecast to see at least some snow from Sunday afternoon into the evening. Overnight temperatures are expected to plunge to around -7°C, with conditions unlikely to rise above freezing on Monday."
Residents are being encouraged to check local forecasts regularly, plan journeys carefully, and look out for vulnerable neighbors. Schools and businesses are also monitoring the situation, with some preparing for potential closures or delays if conditions worsen. The region's transport networks are on high alert, with gritters and snow plows standing by to keep major routes open where possible.
While the cold snap is expected to persist into the following week, meteorologists are keeping a close eye on evolving weather patterns. For now, the message from the Met Office and local authorities is clear: take the warnings seriously, stay safe, and be prepared for challenging conditions as Greater Manchester faces one of its coldest weekends in recent memory.
