You’ve seen the forecast. It’s January. It’s Manchester.
Honestly, the weather in this city is a conversation starter because it’s so predictably unpredictable. But for Saturday, January 17, 2026, the data suggests we're in for a bit of a mixed bag that’s actually surprisingly mild for mid-winter. Forget the "Beast from the East" rumors you might have seen circulating on social media for later this month; tomorrow is much more about low cloud and that classic Mancunian grey.
The Manchester UK weather tomorrow breakdown
The day kicks off with a bit of a visibility challenge. If you're heading out early, expect some stubborn fog patches to cling to the ship canal and the lower parts of the city. Met Office data indicates that while much of eastern England might struggle with this all day, Manchester should see it lift by late morning.
Temperatures are actually quite decent. We’re looking at a high of 46°F (around 8°C or 9°C depending on which sensor you trust). Compare that to the freezing start we had to the year with Storm Goretti, and it feels like a tropical holiday. Sorta.
The low for the night will hover around 42°F. You won't need to de-ice the car, which is a massive win for a Saturday morning.
What’s falling from the sky?
Cloudy. That’s the word of the day.
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Expect "cloudy" to be the status quo for both day and night. However, there is a 25% chance of rain during the daylight hours. It’s not a washout. It’s more of that annoying, fine drizzle that Manchester is famous for—the kind that doesn't look like much but soaks you to the bone if you walk from Piccadilly to Deansgate without a hood.
By night, that chance drops slightly to 20%. Basically, keep a light raincoat handy, but you probably won't need the heavy-duty Wellington boots.
Wind and Humidity: The "Real Feel" Factor
The wind is coming in from the southeast at a gentle 8 mph. It’s a light breeze, nothing that’s going to turn your umbrella inside out.
But here’s the kicker: the humidity is sitting at a whopping 87%.
When the humidity is that high in January, the air feels heavy. Even though 46°F sounds mild, that moisture in the air can make the chill "cling" to you. It's that damp cold that makes you want to duck into a coffee shop in the Northern Quarter rather than go for a long hike in the Peak District.
Why the UV Index matters (or doesn't)
The UV index tomorrow is 0.
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In Manchester, in January, this is about as surprising as a bus being late. You won't need the SPF, but the lack of sunlight can feel a bit draining. We’re only averaging about one hour of true bright sunshine per day this month, so don't expect a blue-sky afternoon.
Planning your Saturday in Greater Manchester
If you're planning to catch a match or head to the Arndale, the afternoon looks like your best bet. While the morning starts murky, we might see some "brighter spells" developing after lunch. Not "sunny," mind you—just "less dark grey."
- Morning (8 AM - 11 AM): Foggy and damp. Visibility might be tricky on the M60.
- Afternoon (12 PM - 4 PM): The peak of the 46°F warmth. Most likely time for a few "showery outbreaks."
- Evening (5 PM onwards): Remaining cloudy and mild.
Looking ahead, the experts at the Met Office are watching a "battleground" between Atlantic systems and high pressure from Scandinavia. This means that while tomorrow is mild, we might be sliding back toward 0°C by next week.
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Actionable Insights for Tomorrow:
Dress in layers. A breathable, waterproof outer shell is better than a thick wool coat tomorrow because of that 87% humidity and the slight chance of drizzle. If you’re driving, give yourself an extra ten minutes for the morning fog to clear. Enjoy the "warmth" while it lasts—the frost is likely returning sooner than you think.