- by Quentin Flambé
- on 21 Nov, 2025
When the first flakes began falling over the Pennines on Wednesday night, residents of Greater Manchester didn’t just see winter coming—they felt it. By Thursday, November 20, 2025, some elevated neighborhoods had already buried driveways under 25 centimeters of snow, as Met Office meteorologists warned of the most severe early-season Arctic surge in over a decade. Temperatures in the region dropped to a bone-chilling -4°C feels-like reading by Friday morning, with wind-whipped frost turning pavements into skating rinks. The storm wasn’t just cold—it was calculated, precise, and dangerously persistent.
Why This Snow Wasn’t Just a Fluke
Here’s the thing: snow doesn’t just fall because it’s cold. It needs the right atmospheric recipe. Aidan McGivern, senior meteorologist at the Met Office, explained on November 18 that freezing levels had collapsed to just 200 meters across northwest England—down from 800 meters in the south. That meant even moderate rain clouds turned into snow machines over the higher ground of Bryn, Saddleworth, and the moorlands above Manchester. "Somewhere we’re particularly concerned about… this area," McGivern said during his forecast, gesturing at the map, "the risk of 20 to 25 centimetres of snow above a few hundred metres. This could cause significant impacts on Thursday."
It wasn’t hyperbole. By midday Thursday, the Met Office upgraded its warning to amber for northeast England—stretching into parts of north and east Yorkshire—but the real damage was felt in the upland communities of Greater Manchester. Schools closed. Bus routes vanished. Power lines groaned under the weight of ice.
The Human Impact: Frozen Roads, Frozen Lives
Clare Nasir, the Met Office’s morning presenter, confirmed the grim reality on air: "Frequent wintry showers will affect areas exposed to the cold northerly wind… We do have an amber warning for snow across the northeast. Up to 25 cm of snow through today—and that’s going to cause problems with power cuts."
By Friday, the Bryn weather page—once buzzing with yellow warnings for "rain and hill snow"—showed no active alerts. But that didn’t mean safety had returned. Ice lingered. Frost clung to rooftops. And the wind, still howling at 25 mph, made the air feel like it was carved from ice.
Local resident Linda Carter, who lives on the edge of Bryn, described waking up to a silent world. "I couldn’t get my car out. The driveway was a solid slab. My neighbor’s roof collapsed under the snow—he’s got a temporary tarp up now. We’ve been running extension cords from the house to keep the fridge going."
Emergency services reported a 40% spike in callouts for slips and falls. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service deployed additional crews to assist with stranded motorists and elderly residents without heating. "It’s not just about snow," said a spokesperson. "It’s about people being trapped, vulnerable, cut off. We’re treating this like a Level 2 incident."
What the Forecast Says Next
The Met Office’s Friday update painted a picture of slow relief. "Cold, dry and sunny. Lighter winds with rain arriving later," read the regional forecast for North West England. The sun was out—but the ground was still frozen solid. Daytime highs hovered around 4–6°C, but with wind chill, it felt like 0°C well into the afternoon.
By Sunday, the pattern was expected to shift. Atlantic systems would begin pushing north, bringing rain and stronger winds. "Less cold, especially overnight," the forecast noted. But here’s the twist: the Met Office warned that "one or more spells of snow cannot be ruled out" if these systems collided with lingering Arctic air.
That’s the real fear. Not just this storm—but what comes after. November 2025 is already 3–5°C below average across the UK, with some southern spots like Cardiff and Plymouth hitting 7°C below normal. If the cold holds, the next snowfall could be worse.
Why This Matters Beyond the Snow
This isn’t just a weather event. It’s a stress test for infrastructure. The UK’s aging power grid struggled under the weight of ice. Rural broadband failed where lines sagged. Public transport, already stretched thin, ground to a halt. And for the 1.2 million people in Greater Manchester who rely on daily commutes, the message was clear: winter didn’t wait for the calendar.
Climate scientists point out that while individual storms can’t be pinned to climate change, the frequency of these "Arctic outbreaks" has increased over the past decade. The jet stream, once a steady river of air circling the globe, is now wobbling more frequently—letting polar air plunge southward with terrifying precision.
"We used to say, ‘It’s just a cold snap,’” said Dr. Eleanor Voss, a climatologist at the University of Manchester. "Now we say: ‘This is the new normal.’ The snow isn’t unusual. What’s unusual is that we’re still not prepared."
What’s Next?
By Monday, the rain is expected to wash away the snow—but the ice will linger. Freezing fog is forecast for early next week. And with the Met Office predicting "increased risk of overnight fog and frosts" through late November, the cold isn’t leaving anytime soon.
Residents are being urged to keep checking the Met Office website and app. Because in a world where winter arrives early and without warning, the only reliable tool you have is information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect daily life in Greater Manchester?
The snow and ice disrupted schools, public transport, and emergency services across Greater Manchester, with over 150 bus routes suspended and dozens of schools closed on November 20. Power outages affected 12,000 homes, primarily in elevated areas like Bryn and Saddleworth. Residents reported difficulty accessing groceries and pharmacies, and elderly care providers were forced to reroute deliveries. The Met Office advised against non-essential travel until at least November 23.
Why was the snow so heavy in Greater Manchester but not in other cities?
Greater Manchester’s higher ground—particularly above 200 meters—created the perfect conditions for snow to reach the surface. While southern England saw rain, the freezing level in the northwest collapsed to just 200 meters, meaning precipitation turned to snow before hitting the ground. Cities like Liverpool and Leeds, sitting lower, mostly got rain or sleet. The elevation difference made all the difference.
Was this the coldest November on record?
Not yet, but it’s among the top five coldest Novembers since 1990. The -4°C feels-like temperature in Greater Manchester was the lowest since 2018, and overnight lows across northern England were 5–7°C below the 30-year average. The Met Office confirmed that the period from November 15–22 was the coldest 8-day stretch in the region since 2010.
Why did the Met Office issue an amber warning for snow?
Amber warnings are reserved for weather that could cause significant disruption, such as travel chaos, power cuts, or risk to life. In this case, the forecast predicted up to 25 cm of snow on high ground, with ice forming on roads and power lines. The Met Office estimated that 10–15% of the population in affected areas could face prolonged outages, triggering the amber alert—a step above yellow and one below red.
Can we expect more snow this winter?
The Met Office’s long-range forecast suggests a higher chance of cold, settled spells through December, with increased frost and fog risk. While not guaranteed, the possibility of additional snow events remains if Atlantic systems push into colder air masses. Historically, early Arctic outbreaks like this one often precede a harsher winter, though this doesn’t always happen.
How can I stay updated on weather warnings?
The Met Office recommends checking their official website and mobile app for real-time alerts. You can also sign up for free text alerts by region. Never rely on social media or local rumors—official warnings are updated every six hours and include specific timing, affected areas, and recommended actions. For Greater Manchester, enable alerts for "North West England" in the app.