Manchester temperatures to plummet to almost freezing this week as 'cold weather alert' and snow warning put in place

Manchester temperatures are set to plummet to almost freezing this week amid a 'cold weather alert' and snow warning issued for parts of the north west.

According to the Met Office forecast, temperatures could hit lows of 1C towards the end of the week with overcast conditions throughout.

It comes as the forecaster warned of 'widespread snow' with 'significant' showers possible this week. The long range forecast suggests that snow could hit parts of the UK by the end of the coming week with a rising possibility of colder conditions, including ice and snow, later in January.

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And an amber cold weather health alert has also been issued for the north west by the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office, remaining in place until midday on January 12.

The alert means “cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time, with potential for the whole population to be at risk."

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “With the Met Office forecasting drops in temperature across the United Kingdom into next week, it is important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.”

In Greater Manchester, the Met Office weather forecast states that lows could hit 1C by Saturday (January 13). Temperatures will also plummet from Monday (January 8), with lows of 2C expected. On Tuesday, conditions will be much the same, with lows of 2C also predicted for Thursday.

The Met Office says: "High pressure will remain in charge at first, whilst sitting to the north or northwest of the UK. Many areas will often be dry if rather cloudy,