Waking up in Manchester today feels a bit like stepping into a cold, damp wool blanket. If you looked out your window early this morning, you probably couldn't see the end of your own driveway. That’s because a yellow weather warning for fog has been the big story for the North West, and honestly, it’s making the morning commute a bit of a nightmare.
The Met Office issued that alert starting at 4:04 AM, and it’s been sticking around like an uninvited guest.
What’s Happening with weather in manchester england today?
Right now, the current temperature is sitting at a crisp 43°F. But don't let that number fool you. With the humidity pinned at 87% and a 9 mph wind coming in from the south, it actually feels closer to 37°F. It’s that biting Mancunian dampness that gets right into your bones.
The sky is technically "partly sunny" at the moment, but the heavy lifting today is being done by the cloud cover and that lingering mist.
Here is the breakdown of what the rest of your Friday looks like. We’re heading toward a high of 45°F, which is pretty much the definition of "standard January" for us. The low tonight will dip to 39°F.
The wind is expected to shift slightly, coming from the southeast at about 10 mph.
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The Rain is Waiting in the Wings
While it’s mostly just grey and misty for now, don’t leave the house without a proper coat. Or an umbrella you actually trust.
There is a 65% chance of light rain during the daytime.
Basically, the "partly sunny" spells we’re seeing now are likely to give way to those annoying, persistent showers that Manchester is famous for. By the time the sun goes down, the chance of rain drops to 35%, but it’ll stay damp.
The UV index is a flat zero. You won't be needing sunglasses for the glare, that's for sure.
Why Your Travel Might Be Messed Up
The fog warning isn't just about it looking atmospheric for your Instagram feed. Visibility has been dropping below 100 meters in some patches across Greater Manchester.
If you’re heading to Manchester Airport or catching a TransPennine Express train, you’ve probably already seen the "Delayed" signs. The Met Office and local news outlets like the Manchester Evening News are already reporting travel disruptions.
Fog lights are a must if you're driving, and honestly, just give yourself an extra twenty minutes. It’s not worth the stress.
Looking Ahead: Is the "Snow Bomb" Real?
You might have seen some headlines floating around about a massive blizzard or a "snow bomb" hitting the UK.
It’s a bit of a mixed bag.
While today is just misty and rainy, the long-range forecast for late January is starting to look a bit wild. Some models are predicting a battle between Atlantic systems and cold air from the east.
There’s talk of a potential blizzard around January 26, but for today, the biggest hazard is just the lack of visibility and the chilly 37°F "feels like" temp.
We’ve had a relatively mild week compared to the start of 2026, but that Scandinavian high pressure everyone is talking about could bring the frost back sooner than we’d like.
Actionable Advice for Your Friday
- Check your flights: If you're flying out of Manchester today, check the live boards before you leave the house. Fog is the number one reason for landing delays here.
- Layers are your friend: It’s 43°F now, but it'll feel colder as the rain moves in. A waterproof outer layer is non-negotiable.
- Drive with caution: That yellow warning stays in place until the mist fully thins into low cloud, which can be unpredictable in the valleys.
- Plan for a wet afternoon: The 65% rain chance kicks in properly after midday. If you're planning a walk in Heaton Park, do it now rather than at 3 PM.
Stay warm out there. Manchester weather is nothing if not consistent in its ability to surprise you with a sudden downpour just when you thought the sun was coming out.