Yellow weather warnings are currently in place across northern England today as Greater Manchester wakes up under a blanket of snow.
After forecasts have been suggesting for the past couple of days that the UK would be faced with a cold snap this week, and weather experts have been predicting that a covering of the white stuff would fall on much of Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and the North West in particular today, Greater Manchester has, in fact, woken up to a blanket of snow across the region this morning.
And snow is still falling in many places too, at the time of writing.
As the predictions have turned out to be true, the Met Office has issued several weather warnings for the day – including a yellow weather warning for snow and ice throughout Greater Manchester.
🌨️ Outbreaks of sleet and snow becoming more persistent this morning in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England
Brighter spells in Wales and southern and central England with crisp winter sunshine
According to the Met Office, the North West’s yellow weather warning will be in place until Thursday evening, and it means further that snow showers, which may “merge into a longer spell of snow”, are likely to “cause disruption” for most of the day today (16 January).
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But what exactly should we expect from the day then? And what does this yellow weather warning actually mean?
Here’s what the Met Office has said could happen:
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Possible travel delays on roads, stranding some vehicles and passengers
Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services – such as mobile phone coverage
Possible delays or cancellations to rail and air travel
A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
Some rural communities could become cut off
Yellow weather warning issued as Greater Manchester wakes up under blanket of snow / Credit: Geograph | Pexels
Giving further insight into what’s coming up today and throughout this week, a Met Office spokesperson has commented: “Snow showers will continue to feed inland early on Tuesday morning across northern and western Scotland, parts of Wales, and North West England, where 2-5 cm of snow is possible over a few hours in some places.
“During the day, an area of more organised rain, sleet and snow is likely to move east with further showers following.
The UK is now in the grip of a cold plunge of Arctic air which has moved in from the north across the whole for the country❄️
“There is still some uncertainty in the track of more prolonged snow, and it is possible that at lower elevations across Wales and northern England, this could turn to rain for a time. However, there is a chance some places could see 5-10 cm perhaps 20 cm of snow, particularly across the northern half of Scotland and over higher ground elsewhere.”
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Greater Manchester residents are being advised to take extra care, plan and allow more time for any journeys needing to be made, and keep an eye on the Met Office website for weather updates.
Man pleads guilty to ‘preparing for acts of terrorism’ in relation to Manchester synagogue attack
Emily Sergeant
A man with links to the Manchester synagogue terrorist attacker has pleaded guilty to preparation for acts of terrorism.
Mohammad Asim Bashir, of Shaftesbury Road in Cheetham Hill, appeared at the Central Criminal Court last week (Friday 5 June 2026) and pleaded guilty to one count of preparation for acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2006.
The prosecution will consider the basis of the guilty plea, and now a two-day sentencing hearing has been set for 22-23 July 2026 at Manchester Crown Court.
In case you need a reminder, the shocking knife and car attack took place on 2 October 2025 on Yom Kippur – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar – at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.
During the incident, two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who was shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.
A man with links to the Manchester synagogue terrorist attacker has pleaded guilty to preparation for acts of terrorism / Credit: Google Maps | GMP
The attacker was named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.
Following the terrorist attack, enquiries conducted by detectives identified Bashir as an associate of Jihad Al-Shamie, and established that the two of them had conducted ;hostile reconnaissance of a UK defence facility’ on 14 August 2025.
The pair were seen on CCTV prior to the trip discussing criteria for potential targets to attack.
They were then seen on ANPR cameras making the journey to the site – with Bashir acting as the driver for most of the journey.
He is due to be sentenced next month / Credit: GMP
Speaking following Bashir’s guilty plea, Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts – who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West – commented: “Our comprehensive enquiries led to the offending of Mohammed Bashir coming to light.
“Although not directly linked to the synagogue attack, the fact he conducted hostile reconnaissance alongside a man who would later commit a terrorist attack show the seriousness of his actions.
“We welcome today’s guilty plea and look ahead to the sentencing which is due to take place in July.
“This case will understandably prompt public commentary about the terrorist attack that took place last October. My thoughts today are with all those affected, particularly the loved ones of those whose lives were taken and those who were seriously injured.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Pat Regan at the Fairfield Social Club – a brilliantly unhinged evening of standup comedy
Clementine Hall
There’s a particular kind of chaos that only Pat Regan can deliver, and the recently re-recognised Fairfield Social Club got the full force of it last night.
Making his Manchester debut as part of the ‘A Lovely Time’ series at the equally as lovely Fairfield Social Club, the New York comic, writer, and podcast host arrived with the energy of someone who had already lived through three emotional breakdowns before breakfast and somehow still had the worst to come.
Known for his work on HBO’s Hacks and the cult-favourite podcast Seek Treatment with fellow comic Catherine Cohen, Regan’s stand-up feels less like your traditional comedy set and more like being trapped in the world’s funniest group chat.
The perfectly intimate room beneath Fairfield’s railway arches was packed with adoring fans who were immediately on side as Regan launched into stories about traumatic trips to Paris, Grindr dates, massage tables and having crushes at the gym.
The audience was in the palm of his slightly sweaty hands (don’t worry, he’ll be fine with me saying so), laughing at every awkward punchline and self-deprecating anecdote.
The material is nothing groundbreaking, but this is what makes it so deeply hilarious; never before has shopping for the perfect pair of jeans been so serious and unserious at the same time.
There was laughter rolling through the venue for virtually the entire set, and after an hour of never-ending quips and jokes, we were left wanting more.
And the best part is, it won’t be long until we get more from this place, and it’s no wonder they’re starting to get the hosting plaudits they deserve.
It’s safe to say Fairfield Social Club has become one of Manchester’s most exciting homes for alternative comedy, and this felt like exactly the sort of booking that justifies its growing reputation.
By the time Regan left the stage, the audience looked equal parts exhausted and delighted. An absolutely classy evening indeed.
Find out about what else is on at the Fairfield Social Club HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
16th January 2024 
