The streets of Greater Manchester were electrified overnight as thunderstorms brought vivid flashes and loud rumbles across areas including Manchester city centre, Salford, Bolton, and Stockport. Images shared on social media showed the intensity of the lightning, which suggested substantial precipitation in localised areas.
The Met Office yellow weather warning for thunderstorms remains in place, covering much of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, cautioning about the possibility of torrential rain, frequent lightning, hail, and strong winds. Forecasters attribute the unsettled weather to high temperatures and humidity creating an unstable atmosphere conducive to storm formation.
Temperatures across Greater Manchester and the wider North West are expected to reach 22-24 degrees Celsius today, maintaining the risk of further thunderstorm development throughout the day and into the evening. Wind speeds during the storms were generally moderate but gusts of up to 30-40 mph were possible in the strongest downpours.
The warning spans across England from the South West through the Midlands, North West, and into parts of the North East, also covering Wales, particularly central and eastern regions. In Scotland, the focus is on southern areas, while Northern Ireland sees a similar alert for its eastern parts.
Motorists are advised to slow down, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and be aware of potential standing water and debris on roads during thunderstorm activity. The public should also avoid unnecessary travel, especially on motorways and rural roads where surface water can accumulate rapidly. If caught in a storm, seek shelter indoors, avoid using landline phones, and stay away from windows.