Severe thunderstorms are set to strike Greater Manchester today as the Met Office issues a yellow warning covering the entire region. With temperatures having soared above average, forecasters warn that heavy downpours, lightning, and hail could hit within the hour, bringing localised flooding and travel chaos.
The warning, in place from 13:00 to 20:00 BST today, anticipates some areas will receive up to 30mm of rain in under an hour, with isolated spots potentially seeing even higher accumulations. This could lead to surface water on roads and public transport networks, causing disruption for commuters.
The thunderstorm warning comes as the UK swelters in a heatwave, with temperatures well above average for this time of year. The combination of high temperatures and atmospheric instability often creates conditions ripe for severe storms – the energy from the heat fuels rapid cloud development, leading to intense and sudden rainfall.
While other regions across the UK see varied weather conditions, parts of England are facing similar heat and the risk of isolated thunderstorms. In contrast, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are generally seeing slightly cooler conditions, though still pleasant. The Met Office advises that not all areas within the yellow warning zone will experience storms, but those that do could face significant impacts.
Residents are urged to stay informed through local weather updates, secure loose garden items, and consider postponing non-essential travel during the warning period. This includes avoiding walking or driving through floodwater and being aware of lightning strike risks. Temperatures in Greater Manchester today are expected to remain high, around 28-30 degrees Celsius, before the potential for storms.