Greater Manchester basks in hottest day of 2025 – but cold snap looms this weekend

Thursday, 1 May 2025 14:14

By David Murphy

Greater Manchester is set to enjoy the warmest day of the year so far today (Thursday 1 May), with temperatures peaking at 26°C in parts of the region.

But forecasters warn the sunshine will be short-lived, as a sharp drop in temperature is expected over the weekend.

The Met Office confirmed that Rochdale recorded the highest temperature in the North West on Wednesday, reaching 25.8°C. Nationally, the warmest spot was Wisley in Surrey, where the mercury hit 26.7°C.

Today's heat is expected to bring widespread sunshine and clear skies across Greater Manchester, with highs of 26°C forecast in Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford, and 25°C in areas including Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham and Wigan.

Another fine and warm start to Thursday for much of England and Wales ☀️

Cloudier in the north with some showery rain sinking southeastwards, that could turn heavy at times ☔

Turning cooler in the north, but very warm in the south 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/SOMekEkWe8
— Met Office (@metoffice) April 30, 2025

However, the spring warmth will give way to more seasonable conditions by Friday. Temperatures will begin to ease off, with highs ranging from 17°C in Wigan to 19°C in Manchester, while overnight temperatures are set to dip to between 6°C and 8°C.

The cooler trend continues into the weekend. On Saturday, slightly cloudier skies are expected, though sunny intervals should still feature across the borough. Temperatures will hover around 18°C to 19°C during the day, dropping to 5°C or 6°C overnight.

A more dramatic change arrives on Sunday, with highs falling to just 12°C in Oldham, and only marginally higher at 13°C to 14°C elsewhere in the region. Night-time temperatures could plunge to as low as 3°C, prompting a chilly start to the new week.

Monday is expected to be overcast throughout, with daytime highs remaining subdued at 12°C to 13°C.

The shift marks a stark contrast to this week’s unseasonable warmth, with residents urged to make the most of today’s sunshine before a cooler, cloudier spell sets in.