Temperatures are forecast to drop to -3C in Greater Manchester this week
The UK has entered its first cold snap of the season, with up to 25cm of snow and lows of -11C forecast in parts of the country.
The Met Office has issued a number of severe weather warnings for snow and ice across the week, covering Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, northern and southwest parts of England and much of Scotland.
A yellow ice warning has been issued across Greater Manchester from midnight on Wednesday (November 19) until 11am. Forecasters warn that rain and snow will bring a “risk of icy patches” and possible disruption.
The Met Office said in its weather warning on Tuesday (November 18): “Outbreaks of rain will spread southwards on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, potentially falling as snow on hills for a time, before clearing to the south.
“As skies clear later, allowing temperatures to fall close to or below freezing, this will bring the risk of icy patches on untreated surfaces. Some temporary slushy snow deposits will be possible where snow persists for long enough, especially on grassy surfaces, but any significant accumulations will be largely restricted to communities and transport routes above about 300 m elevation.”
The Met Office says Wednesday and Thursday are set to be the coldest days of the week. Weather maps suggest parts of Greater Manchester could record lows of -3C on Thursday (November 20).
What time will it snow in Greater Manchester?
Met Office maps show a band of rain, hail and snow across Greater Manchester at 1am on Wednesday, with snow forecast in Oldham and Tameside.
By 2am, snow and hail is expected to reach more of the region, with snowfall over parts of Rochdale, Oldham and Tameside.
Weather maps at 2.30am show hail, some of it moderate, over parts of Wigan and Bolton, with moderate snowfall forecast across parts of Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and Stockport.
After 3am, Met Office maps show the wintry showers moving south of Greater Manchester, with some hail continuing across the region into the morning.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK’s weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather.
“As a result, winter hazards are likely through the next few days, with snow and ice a particular hazard, and the coldest conditions likely on Wednesday and Thursday. Wintry showers will affect areas exposed to the brisk northerly wind, in particular Northern Ireland, southwest Wales, southwest England, northeast England and across the northern half of Scotland.
“Whilst not all places will see lying snow, where showers are most frequent accumulations of 2-5 cm will be possible. On higher ground in Scotland, 15-20 cm could accumulate, and potentially as much as 15-25 cm over the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds.”
Ice is also expected to be an ongoing hazard, particularly overnight in the coming days.
Armstrong added: “Temperatures are well below average for the time of year and could get as low as -11C in rural parts of Scotland on Thursday night, with daytime temperatures generally in low single figures for many. With clear skies, overnight ice could create some particularly tricky travel conditions.”
Ahead of the cold spell, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber cold health alert for parts of England, including Yorkshire & Humber, the North West and the North East, while all other regions in England will be under a yellow alert.
The alerts came into effect at 12pm on Monday (November 17) and will remain in place until 8am on Saturday (November 22).
