Oldham faces snow, sleet and ice as yellow warning issued

Key Points

• Yellow weather warning for snow and ice issued for Oldham by the Met Office from 6pm today (Tuesday, February 03) until 9am tomorrow (Wednesday, February 4).
• Period of rain, sleet and snow expected across Oldham this evening and overnight into tomorrow morning, with conditions easing from the south on Wednesday morning.
• Met Office warns of potential travel disruption, including longer journey times for road users and passengers on bus and train services.
• Risk of some roads and railways being affected, with possible delays, cancellations and difficult driving conditions in parts of the borough.
• Ice risk highlighted, with “some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces” deemed likely, particularly on untreated pavements and cycle paths.
• “Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths,” Oldham residents have been told, prompting calls for extra caution.
• Snowfall of 1–3cm mainly expected above around 200 metres, with a smaller chance of light accumulations at lower elevations within the borough.
• Outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow forecast to move north over mid and north Wales and northern England this evening into tomorrow.
• Chance of transient freezing rain over higher ground, which, although unlikely at any one location, could significantly increase the risk of ice if it occurs.
• Sleet and snow are expected to clear from the south through Wednesday morning as less wintry conditions arrive.
• Met Office advises motorists to plan their journeys, check for delays and road closures, and set off earlier than usual.
• Drivers are urged to carry essentials in their vehicles – such as warm clothing, food, water and a phone charger – in case of delays caused by the weather.
• Oldham residents are being encouraged to stay updated on the latest forecasts and warnings and to sign up to local news alerts for timely information.

Oldham (Manchester Mirror) February 03, 2026 – A yellow weather warning has been issued for snow and ice in Oldham, with wintry conditions expected to sweep across the borough from this evening and into tomorrow morning, bringing the risk of travel disruption, icy surfaces and possible power interruptions as residents are urged to prepare for hazardous conditions.​

Why has a yellow weather warning been issued for Oldham?

According to the Met Office, Oldham is set to see “a period of rain, sleet and snow” during Tuesday evening, overnight into Wednesday morning, prompting the national forecaster to place the borough under a yellow weather warning for snow and ice. The warning period runs from 6pm today (Tuesday, February 3) until 9am tomorrow (Wednesday, February 4), covering the evening rush hour, late-night travel and the early morning commute.​

As set out in the Met Office guidance reported by The Oldham Times, outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow will move north over mid and north Wales and northern England on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, with Oldham among the areas affected. The combination of precipitation and falling temperatures is expected to lead to the formation of icy patches on untreated surfaces, creating potentially treacherous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.​

What snow and ice conditions are expected in Oldham?

Forecasters say that snowfall of between 1 and 3 centimetres is most likely to occur above around 200 metres, meaning higher parts of Oldham are at greatest risk of accumulating snow, though “the odd centimetre of snow is possible at lower elevations” too. This means some lower-lying neighbourhoods in the borough could still see a dusting of snow, especially where showers are more intense.​

There is also “a chance of transient freezing rain over higher ground” during the warning period, which, although the Met Office stresses the odds of this occurring at any one location are small, “would increase the ice risk” significantly if it does happen. Freezing rain can quickly coat surfaces with a layer of clear ice, making roads, pavements and cycle paths extremely slippery and hazardous.​

How might travel and daily routines be disrupted?

The Met Office has warned that “some roads and railways [are] likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services” as the wintry weather moves through. In practical terms, this means motorists could face slow-moving traffic, reduced visibility and difficult driving conditions, while public transport users may encounter delays or timetable changes.​

Oldhamers have been told that there is a risk of “some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces”, with “probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths”, highlighting the impact the weather may have not only on commuters but also on those walking to work, school or local amenities. Residents are advised to allow extra time for journeys, wear suitable footwear and take care on sloping or untreated surfaces.​

What guidance has the Met Office given to motorists?

The Met Office has urged drivers in Oldham and across other affected areas to plan their routes in advance, check for delays and road closures, and to “set off earlier than usual” where possible to account for slower conditions on the roads. This advice is particularly important for those travelling during the evening peak and tomorrow morning’s rush hour, when weather impacts and traffic volumes may combine.​

Motorists are also being encouraged to carry “essentials in their car in case of delays”, including warm clothing, blankets, food, water, a fully charged mobile phone and charger, and de-icing equipment for windscreens and locks. Such preparations are designed to ensure that drivers and passengers can remain safe and comfortable if they become stranded or delayed due to snow or ice.​

When will conditions improve across the borough?

According to the forecast, “sleet and snow will clear from the south through Wednesday morning”, meaning that conditions in Oldham should gradually improve as the day goes on. While icy patches may persist into mid-morning, especially in shaded or untreated areas, the departure of the heaviest wintry precipitation is expected to reduce the overall risk as temperatures slowly rise.​

However, even after the main band of rain, sleet and snow has cleared, some residual disruption to travel networks remains possible, particularly if ice has formed overnight on local roads, pavements and rail infrastructure. Residents are therefore advised to continue checking local travel updates and weather forecasts before setting out.​

How are Oldham residents being kept informed?

The Oldham Times is encouraging readers to “get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox” by signing up to its morning and evening newsletters, as well as its breaking news alerts, to stay fully updated on the developing weather situation. These alerts can help residents receive rapid information about any changes to Met Office warnings, school transport, local services or significant incidents on the roads.​

Alongside national Met Office channels, local media updates and official council and transport operator social media feeds can provide practical, location-specific information, such as gritting operations, road closures or any disruption to bus and train services affecting Oldham. Residents are urged to use trusted, non-competing national resources such as the Met Office and UK Government guidance, alongside local reporting, to inform their decisions.​

What wider weather pattern is affecting northern England?

The Met Office has indicated that “outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow will move north over mid and north Wales and northern England on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning”, forming part of a broader band of unsettled weather crossing the country. Oldham lies within the area expected to see this mixture of wintry precipitation, with local outcomes dependent on elevation and temperature at ground level.​

While the heaviest snow accumulations are likely to be confined to higher ground, the presence of sleet and rain combined with near-freezing road temperatures enhances the risk of ice across a wide area. This pattern underpins the decision to issue a yellow warning – the lowest of the Met Office’s three main warning levels, but still indicative of conditions that could pose risks to safety and travel.​

How can people in Oldham prepare safely for the warning?

Oldhamers are being encouraged to take simple, practical steps to reduce risk during the warning period, such as checking on vulnerable neighbours, allowing extra time for school and work journeys, and avoiding non-essential travel during periods of heavier sleet or snow if they feel unsafe. Those who must travel by car are advised to drive to the conditions, maintain greater stopping distances and avoid sudden braking or sharp steering inputs on icy roads.​

Pedestrians can reduce their risk of injury from slips and falls by choosing well-gritted routes where possible, wearing footwear with good grip and using handrails on steps and slopes. Cyclists are also being reminded that cycle paths may be among the untreated surfaces where icy patches are “probably” going to form, so extra caution or alternative travel plans may be appropriate.​

Are there any related local issues residents should be aware of?

Alongside the weather-related warning, The Oldham Times is currently reporting on several local issues of interest to residents, including changes to transport entitlements and policing matters, which may intersect with how people move around the borough in the coming weeks. For example, the outlet has highlighted that there is “one month until bus pass restrictions scrapped for pensioners”, a change that could influence how older residents travel on public transport.​

Other recent reports by The Oldham Times include a story on a “masked gang with swords and sledgehammer” demanding money in a robbery, and “growing concern over [a] missing man last seen in Oldham”, underlining a wider context of public safety and community awareness in the area. While these issues are distinct from the weather warning, they sit within the same local news landscape that residents are encouraged to follow closely.