Local forecasters and authorities are warning residents in Bolton, Greater Manchester, to prepare for colder weather and a chance of hill snow from Thursday, February 12, 2026. The Met Office regional forecast for North West England says a band of rain will move across the area and is likely to turn to snow over higher ground by Thursday evening (see Met Office regional forecast).
While Bolton town centre is expected to see mostly rain or slushy conditions, higher areas — particularly on the West Pennine Moors and places above about 200m elevation, such as parts of Horwich, Belmont and Egerton — could see localized accumulations of around 2–5cm of snow.
Temperatures are expected to feel as cold as around −3°C on Friday, February 13, 2026, as colder northerly air moves in. Travel may be difficult on high-level roads; local guidance identifies routes including the A675 (Belmont Road) and the A666 (partly known locally as St Peter’s Way) as being at particular risk. National Highways and local authorities advise drivers to plan for longer journeys in severe weather and to check live travel updates before setting out. Bolton Council says its gritting fleet is on standby to treat main routes and that wet roads could freeze to form black ice on Saturday morning.
Saturday, February 14, 2026 is forecast to be drier but much colder, with overnight temperatures expected to fall to around −4°C. Bolton Council and local services are encouraging households to check heating arrangements and travel plans ahead of the weekend freeze.
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