Weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued across much of the UK, including here in Greater Manchester.
As the country wakes up to the first working day of the new year, cold Arctic air now covers most of the UK, according to the Met Office – with temperatures being well below average, widespread frost and ice, and an increasing risk of snow showers.
Snow is expected to settle on the ground in some areas, particularly in northern and some central areas, while the risk of widespread ice could make travel ‘hazardous’.
While much of Greater Manchester falls under the yellow weather warning for snow and ice issued by the Met Office – which is now in force, and expected to end around midday today (2 January) – it will primarily be more southern and western parts of our region that are likely to see snowfall, if any.
Forecasters say an area of sleet and snow is expected to move southeastwards across parts of England and Wales, lasting approximately two or three hours in any one place, and where snow does fall, only one or two cm is likely for some and perhaps as much as five cm in a few spots, especially higher ground of north Wales, north west England, and perhaps the north west Midlands.
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Some ice may form as a result of snow frozen surfaces, and icy patches will also develop quickly as sleet and snow clears.
Greater Manchester braces for snow as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning / Credit: Geograph | Pexels
Under the yellow weather warning, you should expect some roads and railways to be affected with longer journey times, some injuries may occur from slips and falls on icy surfaces, and there are likely some icy patches on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths.
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“With Arctic air now covering most of the UK, very cold weather will continue through the weekend, with minus double figures overnight in places and daytime temperatures struggling to rise above 0°C for some,” explained Chief Met Office Forecaster, Neil Armstrong.
“It looks like this cold spell could last well into next week and wintry hazards will continue with more weather warnings likely. It is therefore important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings and plan ahead.”
You can keep up to date with weather warnings on the Met Office website here.
New landmark chickenpox vaccine begins UK rollout to protect thousands of children
Emily Sergeant
A new landmark chickenpox vaccine is beginning its rollout across the UK in a bid to help protect hundreds of thousands of children.
Chickenpox is a common infection in children that spreads easily.
It is usually mild but it can lead to serious complications which need hospitalisation, including chest infections and fits. The latest Government data indicates that half of children will contract chickenpox by the age of four, and 90% by the age of 10.
Currently, children who catch chickenpox are typically advised to stay off school until all spots have formed a scab – which is usually five days after the spots appear.
But now, this new vaccine will mean children can miss fewer days in nursery or school, and reduce time parents need to take off work to care for them.
Hundreds of thousands of young children are now being offered the chickenpox protection as part of routine NHS childhood vaccinations.
The combined vaccine adds chickenpox protection to the existing measles, mumps and rubella schedule.
Surprisingly, it’s estimated that around £24 million is lost in income and productivity every year in the UK due to childhood chickenpox, so not only will the new vaccine rollout save money this way, but it is also expected to save the NHS a whopping £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.
The new vaccine comes following a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations – with a combined MMRV vaccine replacing the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella).
From now on, GP practices on the NHS will start to offer children the combined MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age.
Dr Claire Fuller, who is the National Medical Director for NHS England, called the rollout a ‘hugely positive moment’ for children and their families.
“From now, the combined vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox will be available at children’s routine vaccination appointments to keep children healthier and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses,” commented Dr Fuller.
“The new vaccine will also help the health service move its focus from sickness to prevention, and keep more children safe and in school.”
Featured Image – Jonny McCullagh (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Police appeal after teenage pedestrian is left in ‘critical condition’ following serious collision in Wigan
Emily Sergeant
A police appeal has been issued after a teenage girl was hit by a car and has been left in a critical condition.
Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for information following a collision in Wigan at around 6:05pm yesterday (30 December 2025), which involved a 16-year-old female pedestrian and a car.
A pedestrian, the female aged 16, was crossing Darlington Street in Wigan when a Seat Arona travelling west down Darlington Street collided with her.
The girl was taken to hospital and is currently a critical condition.
#APPEAL | We are appealing for information following a collision between a pedestrian and a car on Darlington Street, #Wigan at around 6.05pm on 30 December 2025
A 16-year-old girl was crossing the street when a Seat Arona travelling west down Darlington Street collided with her pic.twitter.com/FLTysE6LEh
The driver of the Seat Arona remained at the scene and no arrests have been made at this time, which is why police are appealing to the public for information
Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are asking for anyone with information to please come forward, and this includes anyone who saw the female prior to the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or who has dashcam footage of the incident.
Can you help? Anyone with any information is urged to contact police directly on 0161 856 4741, or via the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2598 of 30/12/2025.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd January 2026 
