Honestly, if you’ve lived in Manchester for more than a week, you know the drill. You check the window, see a bit of sun, grab a light jacket, and by the time you’ve reached Piccadilly Gardens, it’s sideways rain. But the 10 day forecast manchester right now is doing something a bit weirder than usual.
We aren't just looking at the standard "bit of drizzle." We are currently in the middle of a massive tug-of-war between freezing Arctic air and the standard Atlantic dampness we’re used to. It's kinda chaotic.
The current chill is real
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, things are pretty intense. We’ve got a heavy snow storm hitting the city today. If you’re looking outside, you’re seeing a high of 32°F and a low of 26°F. That 98% chance of snow isn't a suggestion; it's happening. The wind is coming in from the south at about 6 mph, which doesn't sound like much, but with 92% humidity, it feels like it’s biting right through your coat.
Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, isn't offering much of an escape. Expect more snow with a high of 33°F. It’s that classic Manchester winter slush waiting to happen.
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What the next week actually looks like
Most people think Manchester is just "wet." That’s the big misconception. This week is actually looking surprisingly dry but brutally cold. By Tuesday, January 20, we’re looking at full-blown sunshine. Sounds great, right? Except the high is only 21°F and the low is 7°F.
Seven degrees.
That is "don't leave the house without three layers and a thermal" territory.
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Breaking down the daily vibe
- Monday, Jan 19: Mostly cloudy. High of 29°F, low of 14°F. A bit of a wind jump here, hitting 11 mph from the west.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Sunny but freezing. High 21°F / Low 7°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Clouding back over. High 25°F / Low 6°F. This is actually the coldest night in the current stretch.
- Thursday, Jan 22: A weird "warm" spike. We jump up to 37°F during the day, which will probably feel like a tropical heatwave compared to Tuesday, but it’s still overcast.
The "Battle of the Systems"
According to the Met Office, the UK is currently a literal battlefield. On one side, you’ve got Atlantic weather systems trying to push in from the west. They bring the rain and the "milder" (if you can call it that) 40-degree temps. On the other side, high pressure from the east is shoving cold, dry air our way.
The 10 day forecast manchester shows the cold air is winning for now.
Why does this matter for your commute?
If you're taking the Metrolink or driving the M60, the ice is the real enemy. We’re seeing several days where the low stays well below freezing. Monday through Wednesday is particularly risky for black ice because even if it doesn't snow more, the stuff on the ground today is going to freeze solid and stay that way.
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Looking further ahead (Jan 23 - Jan 26)
As we head into next weekend, the temperatures stay low but start to stabilize slightly.
- Friday, Jan 23: Partly sunny, high of 24°F.
- Saturday, Jan 24: Similar vibes, high of 23°F.
- Sunday, Jan 25: A massive drop again. We’re looking at a high of 11°F and a low of -3°F.
Yes, negative three. That’s rare for us. Usually, the "urban heat island" effect of the city center keeps us a bit warmer than places like Oldham or Rochdale, but when it hits the negatives, everyone feels it.
Surviving the Manchester freeze
Basic advice? Layers. But specifically, watch the humidity. Because Manchester is so damp (90% humidity today!), the cold feels "wetter." It gets into your bones. A standard puffer jacket is okay, but you need a windproof shell over it for those 13 mph gusts coming on Sunday the 25th.
Also, keep an eye on the pipes. With lows hitting -3°F, those older terrace houses in Fallowfield or Withington are at risk. Keep the heating on a low, constant simmer rather than blasting it and turning it off.
Actionable steps for the next 10 days
- Salt your walk now: Today’s snow is going to turn into a sheet of glass by Monday morning.
- Check the trains: Northern Rail and TransPennine usually struggle when the points freeze, which is a near-certainty for Tuesday morning.
- Charge your tech: Cold batteries die faster. If you’re walking through town, keep your phone in an internal pocket close to your body heat.
- Prepare for the Jan 25th drop: That -3°F night is the real deal. Make sure your boiler is serviced and you’ve got the heavy blankets out.