Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Greater Manchester
The Met Office has issued a 10-hour yellow thunderstorm warning for Greater Manchester, effective from midnight on June 26 until 10am the same day. This alert follows days of record-breaking heat across England and Wales, as a heat dome over Europe brings extremely hot and humid conditions to much of the UK.
The forecaster warned: "Many areas are missing the worst, but thunderstorms could bring disruption in places during Thursday night and into Friday morning." The warning covers thunder, lightning, and heavy rain, with potential for localised flooding and travel disruption.
Hour-by-Hour Forecast for Manchester
In Manchester, the early hours remain clear with 0% precipitation chance until 4am. From 5am, isolated storms begin with a 21% chance, increasing to 46% by 6am with a few showers. Overcast conditions persist through the morning, with the highest rain chance at 46% at 6am. By 10am, isolated storms return with a 7% chance, clearing to sunny spells by 2pm. Temperatures peak at 31°C between 1pm and 3pm, dropping to 20°C by 11pm.
Salford Forecast Details
Salford sees clear skies until 4am, then isolated storms from 5am (34% chance). A few showers arrive at 6am with a 56% chance, the highest in the region. Overcast conditions continue through 10am, then clearing to mostly sunny by 2pm. Maximum temperature reaches 32°C at 4pm and 5pm, with overnight lows of 25°C.
Bolton and Bury: Showers and Storms
Bolton starts clear, with passing showers from 5am (22% chance) and a few storms by 6am (23% chance). The morning remains overcast with showers, clearing to sunny by 3pm. Highs of 30°C at midday, dropping to 19°C by 11pm. Bury experiences a higher chance of rain, with passing showers from 5am (51% chance) and thundershowers at 10am (63% chance). Isolated storms continue until 11am, then clearing to sunny by 3pm. Afternoon highs of 30°C, with evening showers returning (55% chance at 7pm).
Wigan and Oldham: Mixed Conditions
Wigan remains clear overnight, with isolated storms from 5am (18% chance) and a few storms by 6am (37% chance). Thundershowers possible at 9am and 10am (28% and 22% chance respectively), then clearing to sunny by 3pm. Highs of 29°C, with passing showers in the evening (27% chance at 5pm). Oldham starts clear, with passing showers from 3am (20% chance) increasing to 40% at 6am. Showers continue through 9am, then clearing to scattered clouds by 10am. Highs of 30°C at 2pm and 3pm, with lows of 19°C overnight.
Rochdale and Tameside: Showers and Thundershowers
Rochdale sees clear skies until 2am, then passing showers from 3am (20% chance) with sprinkles at 4am and 5am (28% and 45% chance). A few showers continue until 8am, then thundershowers at 10am (17% chance). Isolated storms possible at 11am and 12pm, clearing to partly cloudy by 1pm. Highs of 30°C at 1pm and 2pm. Tameside starts clear, with sprinkles from 4am (21% chance) and a few showers from 6am (36% chance). Thundershowers at 11am (19% chance) and isolated storms at 12pm (12% chance). Afternoon sunny spells with highs of 31°C between 1pm and 4pm.
Stockport and Trafford: Similar Patterns
Stockport and Trafford share identical forecasts: clear until 2am, then broken clouds with sprinkles from 4am (21% chance). A few showers from 6am (36% chance) continue through 8am, then thundershowers at 9am (28% chance) and 11am (19% chance). Isolated storms at 12pm (12% chance) give way to mostly sunny skies by 2pm. Highs of 31°C in both areas, with overnight lows of 20°C. Evening sees scattered clouds and broken clouds, with rain chances below 6%.
Impact and Advice
Residents across Greater Manchester should prepare for potential disruption from thunderstorms, particularly between 5am and 10am. The Met Office advises people to check travel conditions and secure outdoor items. Despite the storm warning, temperatures remain high, reaching up to 32°C in some areas, so heat precautions are still necessary.
