There is the possibility of more snow in Greater Manchester this weekend with temperatures likely to drop as low as -3C as the cold snap goes on.
Parts of the region saw their first snowfall of the winter on Thursday night with Manchester city centre, Oldham, Salford and Stockport among the places to get a dusting of the white stuff.
And we could wake to more on Saturday morning, with forecasters saying wintry showers will move along the North West coast overnight pushing further inland by the early hours of Saturday morning,
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The Met Office say there is the possibility of light snow showers in the city centre and southern boroughs of Greater Manchester from around 8am through the late morning. In some boroughs such as Oldham and Rochdale there is also the possibility of further snow in the early afternoon, between 2pm and 3pm.
A Met Office Yellow warning for ice covering all of Greater Manchester has come into force at 4pm this evening (Friday) lasting until midday on Sunday at the earliest.
They say there is the risk of people slipping and falling on icy surfaces and that there could be 'some disruption' as a result of icy patches on some untreated roads and pavements.
It is likely to be a cold and overcast end to Friday, with the likelihood of fog on higher ground. There could be some isolated rain in and around Manchester at around 11pm.
However, it will be a dry if again overcast start to Saturday in most areas. Temperatures will hover just above freezing at between 1 and 2C.
There could be some sleet in areas such as Rochdale and Wigan in the early hours of the morning before the possibility of snow falling begins from 6am. Any snow showers are most likely between 8am and 11am in most areas with further possible snowfall between 1pm, and 3pm with the Met Office say these are likely to be 'light.'
It will remain just above freezing for most of Saturday morning, rising to only 2C in the afternoon. There is also the potential for some wintry rain and sleet in the early evening.
Temperatures are likely to remain steadily between 1C and 2C until an expected marked drop in the temperature on Sunday. It is likely to be dry if cloudy and overcast in most areas of Greater Manchester on Sunday, however, temperatures are set to plunge below freezing from Sunday evening into the early hours of Monday.
It will likely be somewhere between -2C and -3C on Sunday night into Monday with the sub-zero temperatures likely to cause early morning mist and fog for commuters on Monday morning. The Met Office say there will be overnight frosts which could be 'severe at times.'
Cold air from the Arctic is said be causing the cold snap which is likely to last well into next week with sub-zero minimum temperatures likely most days, as low as -4C by Thursday.
The Met Office says that although these temperatures are below average, 'they are not that unusual for this time of year.'
A Level 3 Cold Weather Alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering all of England and is currently in place until to Friday, December 16.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at UKHSA, said: “Cold weather can have serious consequences for health, and older people and those with heart or lung conditions can be particularly at risk.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. In rooms you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18°C if you can.
"Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.”
National Highways are advising those who need to drive to pack a kit of winter essentials including blankets, food, water, a torch and to ensure their mobile phone is fully charged when setting off.
WhIlst Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has warned about the dangers of leaving cars unattended with their engines running and has urged people to take extra care when out and about this weekend.
Chief Inspector Michael Parker from the force's Roads Policing Unit, said: “There is an increase in road traffic collisions at this time of year and ice is just one of several reasons for this.
“Road traffic collisions can have devastating consequences and no one wants to deliver or receive bad news at any time, never mind during the festive season.
“We are appealing to motorists to drive safely - stick to the speed limit, leave plenty of time to stop at red lights and junctions, and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
“Our officers will remain on the roads throughout the festive period - proactively identifying anyone who is putting road users at risk and ensuring appropriate action is taken.”
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