Greater Manchester is in the grip of a severe snow ice warning as a stubborn cold snap and further wintry weather move across the region. After the first significant snowfall of 2026 earlier this week, residents are now dealing with freezing temperatures, widespread ice, and fresh alerts for more snow and disruption over the coming days.
As of midweek, an official yellow warning for ice remains in force for Manchester through the morning, with additional snow warnings expected later in the week as a new weather system approaches from the west. Daytime temperatures are barely climbing above freezing, and “feels like” values are dropping well below zero due to wind chill. For residents, commuters, parents and local businesses, this combination of cold, lingering snow and ice means extra caution and careful planning are essential.
What the Severe Snow Ice Warning Means for Manchester
The current severe snow ice warning covers all of Greater Manchester, including the city centre and surrounding boroughs such as Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Tameside, Wigan and Bolton. Recent snowfall brought a few centimetres to many urban areas, while higher ground — particularly around Oldham and Rochdale — saw deeper accumulations.
The primary risk now is not fresh snowfall alone, but the hard freeze that follows it. Sub-zero overnight temperatures have turned untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths into sheets of ice. Even where snow melts during the day, refreezing after sunset is creating hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.
Under the current ice and snow alert, residents can expect:
- Longer journey times by road, bus, tram and rail
- Increased risk of slips and falls on icy pavements
- Short-notice changes to public transport timetables
- Localised power or communications issues in exposed areas
Later this week, a developing storm system is forecast to clash with the cold air over the North West. This could bring further sleet and snow, with several more centimetres possible in higher or outlying districts. Forecasters are also monitoring the risk of freezing rain, which can coat surfaces in near-invisible ice within minutes.
For Manchester, this severe snow ice warning is therefore less about a single snow event and more about an extended period of hazardous winter conditions.
Latest Forecast and Expert Insight
Cold conditions are expected to persist through the rest of the week and into the weekend. Daytime highs across the city are forecast to remain between 1–3°C, with overnight temperatures falling well below zero. Exposed and elevated areas will feel significantly colder in brisk winds.
Weather specialists highlight three key phases:
Ongoing ice risk (now to midweek):
Compacted snow and refreezing meltwater are creating icy patches on side streets and shaded pavements.
Renewed snow and wind (late week):
Further snowfall is possible as milder air meets entrenched cold, potentially bringing disruptive conditions.
Lingering cold (weekend):
Even after snowfall clears, refreezing overnight will maintain the ice hazard.
Health professionals warn prolonged cold increases risks for older people, those with long-term health conditions, babies and young children, and anyone struggling to heat their home.
Residents are advised to keep indoor temperatures around 18°C where possible, limit time outdoors in extreme cold, wear layered clothing, and check regularly on vulnerable neighbours.
Transport Disruption Across Greater Manchester
Drivers across the region are already experiencing delays as icy surfaces slow traffic.
Key issues include:
- Slow-moving traffic on major routes such as the M60 and M62
- Hazardous A-roads and rural routes towards the Pennines
- Untreated residential streets becoming compacted with ice
Authorities are carrying out gritting operations, but in very low temperatures, icy patches can still form even on treated roads.
Drivers should avoid non-essential journeys, stick to main routes, allow extra stopping distance, and carry a winter emergency kit.
Public transport is operating, but delays and service changes remain likely, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Passengers are urged to check updates before travelling and allow extra time to reach stops safely.
Rail services through Manchester’s main stations may also face knock-on disruption due to ice on lines and points. Travellers heading to Manchester Airport should allow additional time and monitor flight updates closely.
Community Safety Advice
During a severe snow ice warning, vulnerable people face the greatest risks. Elderly residents, people with disabilities, and those living in cold or poorly insulated homes are particularly affected.
Practical steps include:
- Checking in regularly on neighbours and relatives
- Helping with shopping, prescriptions or meter top-ups
- Using heating safely and avoiding unsafe heat sources
- Watching for damp and mould in colder homes
At home, residents should keep heating on low to prevent frozen pipes, clear steps carefully using grit or salt, and keep torches and spare batteries available in case of power issues.
Pedestrians are advised to wear footwear with good grip, take small steps, use handrails where available, and avoid rushing — particularly around public transport and road crossings.
What Residents Should Do Next
With hazardous winter conditions continuing, residents across Greater Manchester are urged to stay informed through official weather and transport updates, plan journeys carefully, and prepare homes for sustained cold.
The severe snow ice warning is a clear signal to adjust daily routines, reduce risks, and look out for one another. With preparation and community awareness, Manchester can navigate this cold spell more safely until conditions finally ease.
FAQs
What does a severe snow ice warning mean for Manchester?
A severe snow ice warning means there is a high risk of hazardous winter conditions, including icy roads, slippery pavements and possible snowfall. In Manchester, the main danger often comes from overnight freezing and refreezing, which can create black ice even when snowfall is limited.
How long will the severe snow ice warning last in Greater Manchester?
The warning is expected to remain in place for several days, with freezing temperatures continuing overnight and into the weekend. Updated timings and warning levels are issued regularly by the Met Office, depending on how conditions evolve.
Which areas of Greater Manchester are most affected?
Higher and more exposed areas such as Oldham, Rochdale and parts of Tameside typically face the worst conditions, but icy pavements and untreated roads can affect all parts of Manchester, including the city centre and residential neighbourhoods.
Will snow and ice disrupt travel in Manchester?
Yes. Icy roads can cause delays on major routes such as the M60 and M62, while residential streets may remain untreated. Bus, tram and rail services may operate to revised timetables, especially during early mornings and late evenings when ice is most severe.
Is it safe to travel during a severe snow ice warning?
Only essential travel is advised. Drivers should stick to main routes, allow extra stopping distance and carry winter essentials. Pedestrians should wear footwear with good grip and take extra care on pavements, steps and near transport hubs.
How can residents protect vulnerable people during icy weather?
Check regularly on elderly neighbours, people with disabilities and those living alone. Help with shopping, prescriptions or heating top-ups, and encourage keeping indoor temperatures warm to reduce health risks linked to prolonged cold.
Could schools close due to snow and ice in Manchester?
Yes. If conditions become unsafe, schools may delay opening, close early or move to remote learning. Parents should monitor school communications and local authority updates during the warning period.
How should homes be prepared for freezing temperatures?
Residents should keep heating on low to prevent frozen pipes, clear paths carefully using grit or salt, and keep torches and spare batteries ready in case of power issues during severe winter conditions.
Where can Manchester residents get official updates?
Residents should follow official weather updates from the Met Office, local council announcements and transport operator alerts to stay informed about changing conditions and travel disruption.
Read More: Manchester weather today: Snow and sleet risk this morning as Arctic cold grips the city