Key Highlights
- Greater Manchester could experience its first snowfall next week.
- Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing on November 20, with a risk of frost and wintry showers.
- The Met Office predicts light snow in several Greater Manchester boroughs during the early hours of November 20.
- Forecasters predict mixed conditions across Greater Manchester, including both snow and sleet.
Expected Snowfall in Greater Manchester
Weather experts are warning residents of parts of Greater Manchester to prepare for potential snow next week. Forecasters suggest that the region could see its first snowflakes of the season, marking a significant shift from the recent period of heavy rain and strong winds.
Met Office Advisory
The Met Office has issued an advisory stating that “drier and colder conditions” are set to impact Greater Manchester. This includes temperatures plunging below freezing on November 20, with lows of -2C expected early in the morning. While the overall weather pattern is predicted to be mixed, with both snow and sleet, certain areas may experience more severe wintry weather.
Regional Forecasts
Detailed forecasts for each Greater Manchester borough on November 20 have been provided by BBC Weather. Here are some of the notable predictions:
- Bolton: Light snow between 1am and 4am, turning to sleet from 10-11am.
- Bury: Light snow from 9pm on November 19 until 6am on Thursday, before sleet around 9-10am.
- Manchester: Sleet from 7pm on Wednesday until around 8am on Thursday.
- Oldham: Light snow from midnight until 7am, with sleet continuing through Thursday and into Friday.
Christmas Markets and Economic Impact
While the possibility of snow may excite some residents, it could also impact local businesses. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, over 14 Tesco stores in Greater Manchester are launching Christmas markets with free festive food and bargain goodie bags. Despite the potential disruption to daily life, forecasters note that conditions could still change as the week progresses.
Expert Analysis
According to the Met Office’s long-range forecast, which runs from November 16 to November 25, Greater Manchester and other northern parts of England are likely to experience colder but drier weather. The agency predicts that overnight frost will be a common occurrence, with some showers near windward coasts in particular. However, the south is expected to remain cloudier and wetter for now, with uncertainty as to how quickly this clears away.
Despite the potential inconvenience of snow, the overall temperature may return to near-average levels later in the period. Nonetheless, residents are advised to prepare for colder conditions, especially during the early morning hours when temperatures are expected to drop significantly.
Conclusion
The upcoming cold snap and possibility of snow in Greater Manchester highlight the unpredictable nature of UK weather. While businesses and individuals should be prepared for potential disruptions, it’s important to note that these forecasts can change as we get closer to the event. For the latest updates, residents are encouraged to monitor local weather services such as the Met Office and BBC Weather.
