No, we’re not exaggerating, Manchester is genuinely set to be hotter than LA this weekend. Just keep holding on, the summer is well and truly on its way, people.
Unbelievably so, whilst some parts of the country are set to be hit with yellow weather warning-worthy high winds this week – and not too far away from the North West either – courtesy of Storm Kathleen, the city centre and beyond are set to get a much-needed dose of sunshine and warmth.
The temperatures have gradually been creeping up ever since we entered spring but we’re yet to have a properly hot day. However, this Saturday (April 6) it’s projected that Mancs will be able to bask in anywhere between 17-18ºC weather, according to the Met Office.
Far from groundbreaking, obviously, but we’ll absolutely take it.
The Quays always look so lovely in the sun. (Credit: Christine McIntoshvia Flickr)
Not only is this the hottest day we will have had all year thus far, but somehow it’s also higher than LA is set to be this weekend; yes, the actual Los Angeles, California, where it’s pretty much permanent sunshine most of the year.
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While the day might start off cloudy and we’re still expected to see some of the rain from the wider precipitation sweeping across the country, the thermometer isn’t set to go any lower than 10ºC all day and if Apple Weather is to be believed, we might even tip into 19ºC.
And get this, with highs of 17ºC starting from Friday (admittedly with a bit of rain), the sun isn’t expected to set until just before 8pm on the following day.
As mentioned, while much of Northern Island, Scotland as well as the west coast of England and Wales are facing blasts of 70mph winds, down south temperatures could peak to as high as 24ºC.
Take that LA, you can stuff your 15 measly degrees.
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With most of the UK only teetering into the springtime so far and April showers having still made it feel very British and very Manchester, in particular, we really cannot wait for the sun to properly make its return. It feels like it’s been forever.
Sunbathing in beer gardens until the evening is coming soon enough, just you wait.
Featured Images — Christine McIntosh (via Flickr)/Stacey MacNaught (via Flickr)
News
UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport
Emily Sergeant
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
Engage with the person
Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
Featured Image – Northern
News
Police provide update after stabbing of 14-year-old boy at Manchester Arndale carpark
Emily Sergeant
Police have provided an update following the stabbing of a young boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
At around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Sam Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester District CID, said this will ‘understandably’ cause concern, but has assured the public that police believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
“Detectives at the scene are working extremely hard to process the scene with Crime Scene Investigators,” explained DI Jones in an update statement issued.
“The car park is expected to be closed for several hours, so we ask for your understanding and patience whilst we gather evidence to bring these offenders to justice.
“Detectives and Officers will be in the area today to speak with local businesses and members of the public to provide reassurance. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public.
“Greater Manchester Police are committed to diligently investigating all knife crime and bringing offenders to justice, and we are asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Danny Jones -
4th April 2024 
