Snow fall in Bolton and Bury as temperatures plummet

Snowfall will continue until 6am, according to The Met forecast, with lows of -5 with temperatures struggling to get above zero tomorrow.

A yellow warning for snow and ice will be in place until 10am.

Cold temperatures, ice and further snow feature on the forecast for the coming days in what the Met Office deemed is the country’s “first taste of winter”.

Ainsworth Village (Image: Nq) Gritters are out to keep traffic moving in the morning.

A spokesman for Bury Council said the gritters had left the depot four hours ago.

He said: "It’s chilly out there folks. Our gritting teamwill be out tonight treating all the roads and streets on our gritting routes. It takes 4-5 hours to treat all routes from start to finish."

And in Bolton all gritters are currently out having taken to the roads at 6.30pm.

READ MORE: Bolton weather: Met Office Yellow Warning for snow

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the first amber cold weather health alert of the season and, along with charity Age UK, warned that the conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly. 

The amber warning covers the east and north of England, midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, with yellow alerts coming into place for the South East, South West and London at 8am on Tuesday, lasting until 6pm on Saturday.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather. Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”

Charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “With the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning of snow and ice in some areas this week we are especially worried – the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment has caused many older people to be extra fearful about turning on their heating this winter.

“With high energy bills and food prices it is understandable that some may think they have to cut back on food and turn their heating off, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can have a serious impact on an older person’s health, especially if they are already trying to manage existing illnesses.

“The cold raises blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke and breathing in cold air can also increase the risk, and impact, of serious illnesses like flu and pneumonia.”

Ms Abrahams said it is “vital” that older people stay “fit, warm and well if they can” by having hot food and drinks throughout the day, wrapping up warm and sleeping with the windows closed.