Christmas may have been a wash out but this week we have been enjoying a cold frosty and sometime sunny winter.

Of course that means that snow cannot be far off - and there will be snowfall according to the forecast.

The Met Office has said that the town, along with much of Greater Manchester and Lancashire, will see the white stuff on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

The agency's weather map shows that Bolton may see 'over 4mm' of snow per hour, which is on the higher end of the scale, at around 3am on Tuesday, January 16. 

There will continue to be a 60% chance light snow throughout the morning, changing to light rain by lunchtime. 

The following day, Wednesday, January 17, further light snow showers are forecast in the morning. 

The long weather forecast for the UK (January 15-24) from the Met Office says: “Often cloudy across clearing central and southern areas at first. Thereafter, turning colder from the North, with brisk northerly winds likely developing widely across of the UK, bringing a risk of snow showers, most frequent across the north. Temperatures remaining cold, and a marked wind chill especially in the north. 

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“There is risk of unsettled weather pushing in from the south through this period, which could lead to a band of snow and sleet where it meets the colder air across the country. 

The Bolton News: Met Office snow chartMet Office snow chart (Image: Met Office)

“Confidence is low with regards the timing of the arrival of any such disturbance, but there is an increasing risk of something potentially disruptive at some point in this period. Widespread frosts continue to be a feature by night, with a risk of ice in places.” 

This comes as 'disruptive snow' is forecast in the UK next week. 

RAC Breakdown said travel plans could be affected, with drivers advised to be prepared in the event of a breakdown during the cold weather.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has a cold-health alert in force, warning of the weather’s potential to have a “significant” impact on the health and social care sector. 

Deputy chief meteorologist David Hayter said there is an “ongoing likelihood” of some disruptive snow.