Mancunians woke to a sharp reminder that winter has tightened its grip, with frost clinging to windscreens and temperatures well below freezing across Greater Manchester. The weather forecast for Sunday and the days ahead points to a mix of crisp winter sunshine and the growing risk of snow showers later today, as Arctic air continues to dominate conditions across the region.
In the city centre, thermometers dipped to -2°C overnight, while exposed areas felt closer to -5°C in the early hours thanks to a biting wind chill. Those heading out for the school run or early shifts encountered icy pavements and refrozen patches on untreated roads, particularly where yesterday’s scattered showers lingered.
Today’s Weather Forecast: Bright Start, Snow Risk Later
Sunday is shaping up as a day of two halves across Greater Manchester. The morning brings dry, bright conditions, with sunshine breaking through cloud cover. However, it will do little to lift temperatures, which are expected to struggle past 2°C even by midday, with many suburban areas hovering around freezing.
The weather forecast turns more unsettled from mid-afternoon. Snow showers are expected to push inland across northwest England from around 3pm, with parts of Greater Manchester at risk. The Met Office weather guidance stresses that snowfall will be hit-and-miss, but brief, potentially disruptive flurries are possible where showers do develop.
Areas south and east of the city centre, including Didsbury, Stockport and neighbouring districts, appear more likely to see wintry bursts later today.
Bitter Night Ahead as Warning Takes Effect
Tonight is expected to be the coldest so far this winter. Clear spells between showers will allow another widespread frost to develop, with temperatures plunging to -6°C in some outer parts of Greater Manchester by dawn on Monday.
A yellow weather warning for snow and ice comes into force from 3pm today and remains active until midday Monday, covering much of the North West. Forecasters warn that icy surfaces will be a significant hazard overnight and into the morning commute.
Travel Disruption Risk Across Greater Manchester
Anyone planning to travel later today or early Monday should allow extra time. Transport for Greater Manchester has acknowledged the risk of disruption across road and tram networks if snow settles on exposed routes.
Driving conditions are expected to deteriorate overnight. Earlier in the week, icy stretches forced temporary closures on sections of the M56 near Manchester Airport and the M60 anti-clockwise, highlighting how quickly conditions can become hazardous.
With temperatures remaining below zero through the night, black ice poses a serious risk on untreated roads, pavements and residential streets.
What the Weather Forecast Shows for the Week Ahead
Monday remains very cold but largely dry, with sunshine across inland areas. Daytime highs may edge up slightly to around 1°C, though it will feel bitter in light winds. Another hard frost is expected overnight into Tuesday, with lows of -4°C.
From Tuesday, the weather pattern becomes more unsettled. Bands of rain and snow are forecast to move erratically eastwards across the UK. For Greater Manchester, this could mean sleet or rain in the city centre, while snow becomes more likely on higher ground, particularly around Saddleworth and the eastern fringes.
By Thursday, further spells of rain and possibly snow may arrive, though forecasters emphasise uncertainty around timing and intensity. What remains consistent is the cold: temperatures are expected to stay well below average throughout the week.
How Manchester Compares Across the UK
Elsewhere, conditions mirror Manchester’s cold snap. Weather Leeds and weather Sheffield are both seeing overnight lows below freezing and daytime highs struggling to reach 2°C, with scattered wintry showers.
Further west, Swansea weather is marginally milder at around 2°C, though snow showers are also pushing inland. Weather Belfast remains slightly warmer at 3°C, but snow and ice warnings are in place there too.
The harshest conditions continue in northern Scotland. Weather Aberdeen remains under amber warnings, with snow accumulations of 10–20cm at lower levels and significantly more on higher ground.
Practical Advice for the Days Ahead
The Met Office says this cold spell will persist well into the coming week. While Monday’s sunshine may look inviting, conditions on the ground remain hazardous.
Residents are advised to:
- Dress in warm layers
- Wear footwear with good grip
- Check on vulnerable neighbours
- Monitor school and travel updates
Several schools across the North have already issued delayed opening notices this week due to hazardous conditions.
For those with flexible working arrangements, avoiding travel during Monday’s morning rush hour could prove sensible, as ice is expected to be at its worst between 7am and 9am.
The Bottom Line for Manchester
The weather forecast through the first full week of January keeps Manchester firmly in winter’s grip. While snowfall totals remain uncertain, the cold is guaranteed. Temperatures across Greater Manchester are unlikely to climb above 3°C until at least Thursday, with severe overnight frosts continuing.
This is not weather for taking chances. Checking routes, allowing extra time, and staying alert to icy surfaces will be essential as the region navigates another testing spell of winter weather.
FAQs
Will it snow in Manchester today?
Snow showers are possible from mid-afternoon, though not every area will be affected.
How cold will it get overnight?
Temperatures could fall to -6°C in outer parts of Greater Manchester, with widespread frost.
Is there a weather warning in place?
Yes. A yellow warning for snow and ice runs from 3pm Sunday until midday Monday.
Will travel be affected on Monday morning?
Yes. Black ice is likely, particularly on untreated roads and pavements.
How long will the cold weather last?
Forecasts suggest below-average temperatures and frost will persist well into the week.