Greater Manchester has been plunged into sub-zero temperatures as a bitter cold snap continues. Residents woke up to temperatures of around -3C this morning (January 10) following another icy night across the region.
A number of schools have been closed this week, with some keeping their doors closed today including Urmston Grammar School and several primary schools. Find the full list of school closures here.
A UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cold health alert for the North West has been extended to midday on Tuesday, January 14. It means health services are likely to be stretched as the weather causes increased illnesses and possible deaths in the days to come. People are being urged to take care on icy pavements and road.
The A555 Manchester Airport relief road has now reopened, according Stockport Council. Other roads remain affected by the weather - with the A57 Snake Pass described as 'just passable' and flooding reported on the M56 westbound near Runcorn, in Cheshire.
End of live reporting
That is the end of live reporting tonight. We will provide updates if the situation changes.
Full Borough-by-Borough forecast for Greater Manchester
It is expected to get warmer next week - here is the latest Met Office forecast for your area of Greater Manchester. More here.
Cold weather could lead to 'power cuts' for unexpected reason
After a blisteringly cold week in Greater Manchester, an energy infrastructure expert has explained how freezing weather can lead to power outages. Taco Engelaar is the managing director at Neara, which provides infrastructure support to utilities.
And according to Engelaar, it's not necessarily the cold weather itself which might directly cause power cuts. It's actually the ways that people react to cold weather.
Tonight's forecast
The Met Office is predicting freezing fog in areas of the North West tonight. Temperatures in some areas could plummet as low as -7.
The latest forecast for the region states:
Temperatures quickly falling below freezing this evening with another severe frost and icy stretches forming. Clear skies for most overnight but freezing fog patches forming in places, especially in southern counties of the region. Minimum temperature -7 °C."
Football matches postponed due to weather
The weather has affected a number of tomorrow's games.
Altrincham's home game against Wealdstone has been postponed, as has Oldham's home tie against Eastleigh.
Curzon Ashton's home game against Scarborough Athletic and Radcliffe's home league fixture against South Shields have also fallen victim to the weather.
As previously reported, Wigan Athletic's FA Cup match at Mansfield Town has also been called off.
Risk of 'power cut' amid sub-zero temperatures, expert warns
An energy infrastructure expert has warned of a risk of power cuts in sub-zero temperatures.
Taco Engelaar, energy infrastructure expert and Managing Director at Neara, said: "The snow and frosty temperatures we're seeing this week could bring another hazard: power cuts.
"When millions of homes try to warm up at the same time, the grid experiences a surge that can test its capacity, resulting in bottlenecks that put our power supply under strain - possibly leading to power outages. "
Delays on M60 by J1
Traffic reporting software Inrix has reported that there are delays on the M60 on the anticlockwise side.
Inrix said: "Delays due to earlier broken down vehicle on M60 anticlockwise at J1 (Stockport Pyramid)."
It added: "Not helped by afternoon traffic."
Traffic chaos as pedestrian crossing buttons 'freeze over'
Buttons freezing on pedestrian crossing has left motorists facing traffic hold-ups as the lights change erratically.
Weekend weather forecast
With temperatures still dipping below freezing, Friday is forecast to see mist leading from the afternoon through into the night.
The mist is forecast to clear on Saturday morning. Saturday itself is forecast to see some sunshine leading into the early afternoon, though temperatures will remain low.
Going into the evening Saturday is forecast some cloud later on, which continues through to Sunday.
Sunday is forecast to be largely cloudy with some patches of sunshine peaking out. Temperatures are set to rise on Sunday, reaching a igh of 4C.
Temperature forecasts for weekend as cold snap continues
According to the Met Office Greater Manchester is in for a freezing weekend. In the short term, temperatures are predicted to rise just above 0C to 1C around 3pm on Friday afternoon.
But this will be lived as they are set once again plunge below zero, reaching -2C by 8pm and continuing that way overnight.
Saturday are predicted to see a high of 2C, before temperatures drop back to 0C overnight moving into Sunday, which will see a high of 3C.
More information coming soon
Cold in Oldham
Here are some scenes from a sunny, frosty Oldham.
A555 still shut
The A555 Manchester Airport relief road is still closed in both directions between Handforth and Poynton.
The closure extends westbound to Styal Road.
Stockport Council had hoped the road could reopen this afternoon following an inspection earlier today, but drivers are still unable to use it.
It comes as the Federation of Small Businesses is urging local leaders to act on a road which has been a frequent hotspot for flooding since it opened in 2018.
"It's hard not to feel that what's become an annual occurrence here in Greater Manchester would be tolerated in the South East," it claimed.
Wintry Werneth Park
This week's weather has made for stunning scenes across Greater Manchester.
Werneth Park, in Oldham, is looking great with sunshine over the frosty ground.
M66 fire
There are queues on the M66 southbound from the A56 to junction one at Ramsbottom, due to a vehicle fire.
One lane is closed and queues are building, according to Inrix.
Met Office latest
Here's the latest national forecast.
A cold but bright day across much of England and Scotland, with a few wintry showers along the coasts
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 10, 2025
Cloudier in the far southwest with patchy rain pic.twitter.com/pAPK9yw4BG
FA Cup game off
Wigan Athletic's FA Cup match at Mansfield Town has been postponed due to the weather.
It was supposed to take place on Saturday, but has now been moved to next Thursday following a pitch inspection.
Our @EmiratesFACup third round tie against Mansfield Town has been called off due to a frozen pitch following a pitch inspection this morning.
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) January 10, 2025
The fixture will now take place on Tuesday 14 January with a 7:45pm kick off at the One Call Stadium. #wafc
Wintry scenes
The North's railway networks have seen frequent disruption this week amid the freezing temperatures, snow and ice.
Northern has shared images of wintery scenes from across its network.
Some snowy pictures from across our network
— NORTHERN (@northernassist) January 10, 2025
Tag us in your photos for a chance to feature
@NorthernPeasant, X
@williamwardale, on X
One of our Northern colleagues
@ParallaxFluxTX, on X#NorthernTrains pic.twitter.com/7HrsPBIZ5V
M6 crash
The M6 southbound is partially blocked following a collision, accoding to Inrix.
It's affecting the stretch between junctions 21A for the M62 and 21 for Irlam and Warrington.
Water back on
Hundreds of homes were left without water last night in the city centre after a power cut affected water pumps.
Councillor Pat Karney says the water for Deansgate residents is now back on.
The water is back on this morning
— Pat Karney (@patkarney) January 10, 2025
Thank you . https://t.co/Nu5WlSljig
Dozens of schools shut
More than 65 schools are closed around Greater Manchester today - see the latest list here.
Another cold night expected
Temperatures are expected to plummet again tonight.
Unlike in recent days, where areas like Saddleworth saw the coldest weather, the Met Office expects colder temperatures further south.
Altrincham could see lows of -6C tonight.
Read more here.
Gritters out
Councils across Greater Manchester say they will be back out gritting roads ahead of temperatures falling again tonight.
In Manchester they will be working from midday.
Our gritters were out last night from 11pm, and will be out again today at midday to grit the full network; that's over 460 miles of roads and pavement. You can read more about what roads we grit and why we choose them, and check the roads on the route at https://t.co/yz3527YT5v pic.twitter.com/5ZUkAL3OUY
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) January 10, 2025
Bin collection woes
Icy conditions have been affecting bin collections in Greater Manchester this week.
Tameside is the latest area to be hit by problems.
Train delays
Services are now running through Atherton but there are delays of around 20 minutes.
#Atherton - Lines have reopened following a broken down train between Wigan Wallgate and Manchester Victoria. Trains running between these stations may still be cancelled, delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised whilst service recovers.
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) January 10, 2025
Cold health alert
People are being urged to look out for elderly and vulnerable friends, family and neighbours as a cold health alert is extended to Tuesday afternoon.
It will continue to be cold tonight with the amber health alert extended until Tuesday.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) January 10, 2025
Cold weather can impact the health of young children and vulnerable residents. Please look out for others as the temperature drops. https://t.co/dBvbfIoXpa
Coldest night so far
The Met Office has confirmed that the UK saw the coldest night of winter so far ovenight.
Temperatures fell to -14.5C in northern Scotland.
Brrr...Think it's cold where you are?
— Met Office (@metoffice) January 10, 2025
It was the coldest night of winter so far in the UK, with the temperature falling to -14.5°C in northern Scotland pic.twitter.com/kmXhgFa75Y
Top tips for the road
With freezing temperatures giving little chance for ice to thaw, drivers are faced with tricky conditions.
Karl Williams, fleet and compliance manager at Bolton-based electricals retailer AO, has shared his top tips to stay safe on the road.
1. Check your tyres
Cold weather can lower tyre pressures, reducing your car’s grip on slippery roads. Check your tyre pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels – you’ll usually find this in your car manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. If possible, consider switching to winter tyres, which provide extra traction when temperatures drop below 7C. At the very least, make sure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread for better grip.
2. Drive smoothly and keep your distance
Sudden movements like harsh acceleration, braking, or steering can cause your car to skid on icy roads. Instead, accelerate gently and use the highest gear possible to maintain control. Always leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead – stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer in snow or ice. Give even more room around larger vehicles like lorries and buses, as they take longer to stop and could jack-knife if they lose traction.
3. Make sure your car is completely free of ice
Before setting off, clear snow and ice from all parts of your car – including the roof, windows, mirrors, lights, and number plates. Failing to do so could reduce visibility and lead to fines or penalty points on your licence. Use washer fluid with antifreeze to keep your windscreen clear, and always turn your wipers off at the end of each journey – frozen wipers set to automatic could tear their blades.
4. Use the right lights
On rural or unlit roads, use full beams – but switch to dipped headlights when another car approaches. In heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions, stick to dipped headlights for better visibility. If the fog rolls in or visibility drops below 100 metres, use your fog lights to ensure other drivers can see you clearly.
5. Be prepared for the unexpected
Keep a winter emergency kit in your car, including a snow shovel, torch, blanket, water, snacks, and a phone charger. These essentials could be a lifesaver if you get stuck. If you do find yourself in a rut, gently accelerate in a higher gear, rocking the car back and forth to free it. And don’t hesitate to ask for help – most people are happy to lend a hand.
Ashton Canal 'half frozen'
M.E.N. reporter Nicole Wootton-Cane snapped these images of the Ashton Canal 'half frozen' this morning, in New Islington.
