Greater Manchester faces heavy snow today with warnings in place as temperatures drop and travel disruptions occur across the region
Greater Manchester: This morning, the city woke up to a thick layer of snow. It’s been a chilly start to the new year, and it looks like it’s sticking around.
There are two amber weather warnings from the Met Office today. Expect sleet, snow, and heavy rain throughout the morning. Some areas have already seen about 5cm of snow, but higher ground could get up to 40cm!
Manchester Airport had to close its runways due to the snow. They’re working hard to clear them as fast as they can. Metrolink is also warning of possible speed limits and line closures. Plus, Woodhead Pass and Snake Pass are shut, and there are lane closures on the M61.
There’s been an amber snow and ice warning since last night, affecting southern Greater Manchester and parts of Wales and the East Midlands. Another amber warning for snow is in effect until late tonight, covering northern Greater Manchester and much of northern England.
Now, let’s check out the hour-by-hour forecast for the rest of the morning.
In Bolton, it’s heavy snow at 8am, feeling like -6C. By noon, it’ll be light rain at 1C, but still feeling pretty chilly.
Bury is seeing similar weather, with heavy snow at 8am and light rain by noon. Manchester itself is starting with sleet showers, but it’ll turn to light rain as the morning goes on.
Oldham and Rochdale are also dealing with sleet and light rain, while Salford and Stockport are experiencing the same chilly conditions.
As for Tameside and Trafford, they’re in for sleet and light rain too. Wigan is no different, with sleet at 8am and light rain by noon.
For the rest of the day, if you’re thinking about sledging, you might want to hurry. The snow will give way to heavy rain by mid-afternoon, and it’s expected to stick around into the night.
Temperatures will rise a bit, peaking at around 4C in Manchester by 9pm. Monday should be drier with some sunshine, but it’ll still feel cold. So, bundle up!
