Forecasters are predicting that a unique weather phenomenon known as ‘thundersnow’ could be on its way to us over the next few days.
We saw all manner of unpredictable weather conditions at the latter end of 2021, with both Storm Arwen and Storm Barra gracing us with their presence, all before the country experienced what was described as “an exceptionally mild spell” and recorded the warmest ever New Year’s Day since records began.
But the start of 2022 already sounds like it’s giving 2021 a run for its money.
You may have already heard – and probably felt – that temperatures have plummeted this week and that the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice for much of the North, including parts of Greater Manchester, from between 10am-11am today (Thursday 6 January) right through to 10am tomorrow.
The weather warnings put in place by the Met Office appear to cover parts of Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, and Wigan.
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Lancashire, West Yorkshire, Cumbria, Scotland, and Ireland are all included too.
Across the two days, forecasters are saying there could be “frequent sleet and snow showers” leading to some potential disruption to travel and difficult driving conditions, and the Met Office says that some roads and railways are likely to be affected, with longer journey times by road, bus, and train services
There will also probably be some icy patches on untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths, and in some places, potentially a few brief power outages are possible too, with a risk of isolated lightning strikes.
That’s not all though, as now, apparently some ‘thundersnow’ is on its way too.
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What is ‘thundersnow’?
It’s not a term you hear very often, but according to the Met Office, this unique weather phenomenon occurs when thunderstorms form in wintery conditions and release heavy downpours of snow, and when this is then paired with the usual thunder and lighting, this creates ‘thundersnow’.
Usually only occurring a few times a year, it is driven by the same conditions that cause thunderstorms in the summer.
The only difference is, it’s winter – and of course, there’s snow.
The Met Office says: “The snow contained within the thunderstorm acts to dampen the sound of the thunder [and] while the thunder from a typical thunderstorm might be heard many miles away, the thunder during a thundersnow event will only be heard if you are within 2 to 3 miles of the lightning.”
On top of that, the falling snow can even make lightning strikes look brighter as the flash reflects off the snowflakes.
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The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice for much of the North / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
What are forecasters saying?
Grahame Madge – Spokesperson for the Met Office – explained: “At the moment we’ve got a ridge of high pressure leading to clear skies.
“Into the early hours of tomorrow morning, we’ll start to see a weather front approach from the west, bearing in mind conditions will have been intensely cold overnight with frost and freezing fog in southern parts of England.
“We’ll get this frontal band of precipitation working east, then as that cold air bumps into the weather front moving in we’ll see a line of snow along that front.”
He said ‘thundersnow’ would be caused by the difference between the cold front arriving from the west, reaching the ground that has been warmed by unseasonable temperatures, and then once again, he added that the conditions were driven by the same meteorological conditions as storms in summer.
Mr Madge added that ‘thundersnow’ can sound “distinct”, as it is muffled by snow.
Greggs renames one of its bestselling bakes after Andy Burnham says it’s his favourite
Emily Sergeant
Greggs has decided to rename one of its bestselling bakes in honour of Andy Burnham.
In case you didn’t know, the new Number 10 North offices in Manchester’s Heron House share a building with lots of other businesses, some independent, some chains – and one of those businesses is the ever-popular high street bakery Greggs.
And we wouldn’t put it past Andy Burnham, being the northerner he is, to have chosen those offices specifically for that reason.
Okay, we’re obviously kidding, but considering the Prime Minister really doesn’t have to venture that far for a Greggs when he’s at work in Manchester now, he’s been asked in a recent interview this week what his go-to order is from the bakery chain.
When asked to name his favourite Greggs bake, Andy replied: “That sausage, bean, and cheese thing,” which, of course, refers to the popular Sausage, Bean & Cheese Melt.
Greggs has renamed one of its bestselling bakes after Andy Burnham said it’s his favourite / Credit: Supplied | gov.uk
According to Greggs, sales of that bake have doubled following the interview, particularly at the Heron House store, as curious Mancs and Number 10 North staff queued to sample the PM’s preferred pasty – so naturally, Greggs has decided to rename the item the ‘Sausage, Bean and Cheese Thing’ in his honour.
Workers at the Heron House shop were photographed changing the signage of the bake yesterday morning, and digital screens in the shop were also updated following the interview.
Andy himself has approved the change, taking to Instagram to say: “Has a nice ring to it tbf. Thanks [Greggs], that’s my order baked in for life now.”
Warren McCarrick, shop manager at the Greggs outside Number 10 North, said: “Our shop has been buzzing with Mancs getting their hands on Burnham’s favourite bake. Sales have gone through the roof this morning – cheers, Andy.
“We thought we’d repay the favour and rename it to what the Prime Minister seems to fondly know it as, that Sausage, Bean and Cheese Thing.
“We’ve also dropped off a few outside Number 10 North, in case he’s too shy to be seen in the queue.”
Featured Image – Supplied
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Manchester City’s Stadium Tours are back for the summer and bigger than ever
Danny Jones
Manchester City stadium tours are back for summer 2026, with more to see from the home of the Blues than ever, and with 15% off all tickets until the end of August, too.
It’s safe to say that Man City are going through a HUGE period of change right now: embarking on a new era under Enzo Maresca following the dynasty of Pep Guardiola, vast redevelopments of the wider Etihad Campus, a new club hotel, and the expansion of the North Stand – now named after said Catalan coach.
With that in mind, there’s so much new stuff going on over in East Manchester and arguably more of it all happening in one place than we can recall in recent memory, making it the perfect time for Cityzens to return to the famous home ground – indeed, your Etihad debut if you haven’t made one already.
Giving you greater access to areas usually reserved for players and staff only than ever, this exclusive, interactive and virtual tour will take you through the very bones of the storied sporting arena, all the way through to pitchside.
Fans can explore the dressing room and follow in the footsteps of their favourite City players as they walk through the iconic glass players’ tunnel, before walking out into the open air and sitting in the dugout to take in that incredible view.
You can also try out the latest ‘Beyond the Blue Moon’ experience – an immersive VR adventure that sees supporters journey through Manchester City’s past, present, and future.
Following on from Pep lending his likeness, using innovative technology, you can now even have the chance to put your questions to Erling Haaland in the Press Conference Room.
There aren’t many teams on the planet that offer this level of stadium tour, let alone just here in the UK, so it’s no wonder they remain award-winning almost every single year.
Whether you’re a lifelong City fan, a football lover or visiting this wonderful place we call Manchester for the very first time, there’s something for everyone.
For instance, with The Medlock Hotel and accompanying Medlock Square already lining up its maiden events, the City Football Group (CFG) are once again committing to make the wider Etihad Campus an all-year-round entertainment destination.
That being said, plenty of people online have been generating a lot of buzz about the aforementioned Medlock’s new stadium-view rooms since clips appeared on social media.
Pitch view rooms coming to the Radisson Blu Medlock Hotel at #ManCity’s Etihad Stadium. 🤯
As for the tickets themselves, the club have also taken steps to keep the cost affordable.
Standard prices start from just £32 for adults and only £20 for under-16s, with larger family packages available from £60.
BUT, with the 15% discount mentioned earlier, adults currently cost just £27; kids go for just £17, and those family passes start from just £51.
You can find all the options when it comes to stadium tour passes and grab the type of admission that suits you right HERE.
Speaking of tickets, City have also been met with praise for the introduction of new discounted seats for local residents; find out all the details below.
Emily Sergeant -
6th January 2022 
