Snow is set to return to Greater Manchester as an 800-mile snow wall moves south across the UK. Forecast guidance suggests the first wintry bursts could arrive from late Friday morning, with more organised bands into the afternoon and evening.
Weather models show the snow wall aligning along a sharp temperature boundary, meaning not every postcode will see the same conditions. Some areas face sleet. Others could see settling snow.
Here is what the latest data shows.
What is the 800-mile snow wall?
The term snow wall is used informally by meteorologists to describe a long, continuous band of precipitation where most of it falls as snow due to sufficiently cold air from cloud to ground.
In this case, forecast charts indicate a several-hundred-mile corridor of wintry precipitation stretching from northern Scotland through northern England and into the Midlands. The snow wall forms as cold polar air pushes south and undercuts a moisture-laden Atlantic front. That clash creates a narrow but intense zone of uplift where snowfall rates can briefly turn heavy.
Within the core of the snow wall, visibility can drop sharply and roads can whiten quickly. Just a few miles either side of the main band, however, conditions may fall as cold rain or sleet instead.
For Greater Manchester, positioning is crucial. Small shifts of 10 to 20 miles in the track of the snow wall could determine who sees settling snow and who sees slush.
Exact time snow is forecast in Greater Manchester
While the precise alignment of the snow wall may adjust slightly in updated runs, current model guidance indicates wintry precipitation arriving from late Friday morning, strengthening through the afternoon and lingering into the evening.
Temperatures across the region are forecast to range between 1C and 4C, with colder readings early morning and again after sunset.
Indicative timeline for Friday
08:00 to 10:00
Cold and mostly cloudy across Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Stockport and Bury. Temperatures sit near 1C to 2C. Higher ground in Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside may see isolated sleet showers, but most areas remain dry or see patchy light rain.
10:00 to 12:00
The leading edge of the snow wall approaches from the northwest. Wigan and Bolton face the first risk of sleet or wet snow. Air temperatures hover between 2C and 3C, so main roads are likely to remain wet rather than snow-covered at this stage.
12:00 to 15:00
This is currently the most likely window for more organised bursts linked to the snow wall. Manchester, Salford, Trafford and Stockport could see heavier sleet or wet snow. Higher parts of Oldham, Rochdale, Bury and Tameside have a greater chance of snow settling on untreated surfaces.
15:00 to 18:00
The band may pivot and linger. Further showery bursts remain possible across all ten boroughs. Temperatures dip back towards 1C to 2C, increasing the risk of slush turning icy.
18:00 to 22:00
The core of the snow wall begins to fragment and edge southeast. Remaining showers fall as sleet or snow in colder air, particularly over eastern districts. Road surfaces may become slippery as temperatures trend close to freezing.
While localised changes remain possible, the broad picture shows a region-wide encounter with the snow wall, with the highest risk of settling snow over hills and moorland.
Which areas are most at risk of settling snow?
Higher and more exposed areas typically see greater impact when a snow wall passes through the North West.
- Saddleworth and the Pennine fringe
- Elevated routes near Rochdale and Oldham
- Higher ground around Bolton and Bury
Urban lowlands closer to Manchester city centre are more likely to experience slushy accumulations, particularly on grassy surfaces and parked vehicles.
Current projections suggest limited totals for most low-lying neighbourhoods, though short heavier pulses within the snow wall could briefly whiten untreated roads.
Travel and commuter impact
The timing of the snow wall places both the late morning school run and afternoon commute in a potentially disruptive window.
Even where snowfall remains marginal, intense bursts of sleet can reduce visibility and increase braking distances. Road surface temperatures often lag slightly behind air temperatures, meaning refreezing can occur quickly once heavier showers ease.
Motorists using the M60, M62 and A57 should allow additional time. Elevated stretches and slip roads are especially vulnerable. Pedestrians are advised to take care on untreated pavements, particularly in shaded areas where slush may freeze.
Local councils typically activate gritting plans when sub-zero surface temperatures are forecast. Priority routes are treated first, but residential streets and minor roads may remain slippery.
How long will the snow wall last?
The snow wall itself is expected to be a transient feature, gradually weakening as it moves southeast and the coldest air begins to moderate.
For Greater Manchester, the main period of concern runs from late Friday morning until around midnight. After that, showers become more scattered.
Accumulation projections remain modest across the conurbation. Most lowland areas are likely to see only a temporary covering, if any. Higher ground could see several centimetres where the snow wall lingers longest.
By Saturday, temperatures may lift slightly above freezing during daylight hours, helping thaw any light accumulations. However, icy patches could persist into the morning where surfaces refreeze overnight.
Met Office warnings and official advice
The Met Office issues yellow or amber warnings when disruption risks increase. A yellow warning for snow and ice typically signals possible travel delays, slippery surfaces and short-term transport disruption.
Whether a formal warning accompanies the snow wall will depend on updated forecast confidence and expected impact levels.
Standard advice in wintry conditions includes:
- Check the latest forecast before travelling
- Reduce speed and increase stopping distances
- Allow extra journey time
- Keep warm clothing and essentials in vehicles
- Take care on untreated pavements
Even marginal events linked to a snow wall can cause short-lived but significant disruption if heavier bursts align with peak travel times.
FAQ
When will the snow wall reach Greater Manchester?
Current forecast guidance suggests the snow wall will begin influencing the region from late Friday morning, with the highest snow risk between midday and midnight.
How much snow could fall?
Low-lying areas may see little or no meaningful accumulation. Higher ground could see a few centimetres where the snow wall produces heavier bursts.
Will schools close?
There is no blanket closure forecast. Decisions will be made locally depending on overnight conditions and accumulation levels.
Is there a Met Office weather warning?
A yellow warning may be issued if confidence in disruptive snow increases. Residents should monitor official updates as the snow wall approaches.
Will temperatures drop below freezing?
Overnight temperatures are expected to hover close to freezing, especially in rural and sheltered areas, increasing the risk of ice after the snow wall moves through.