The Met Office has shared its verdict on when we could see some drier conditions across the North West following a wet and blistery week. Temperatures have dropped significantly following a scorching summer, and things have taken a sharp turn this week.
Thunderstorm warning and Thursday outlook
A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms came into place on Wednesday evening. The Met Office said: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms likely to lead to some travel disruption and flash flooding." Regions included in the alert were the North West, North East, East Midlands, Wales, Yorkshire and Humber.
However, the wet conditions could change later today with the possibility of a "brighter" afternoon. In its outlook for Thursday (August 20), the UK forecaster said: "A wet start to Thursday as showery rain, sometimes heavy with thunder and hail, moves southwards across the region. This gradually clearing to leave a brighter afternoon, with just a few lighter showers. Feeling cool in the northerly breeze. Maximum temperature 18C."
Friday and weekend forecast
Looking ahead to tonight, it added: "Showers fading during the evening, then becoming largely dry overnight with clear spells and light winds. A notably chillier night than of late. Minimum temperature 5C."
The wet conditions are expected to clear up on Friday (August 21). The forecast said: "Mostly dry to begin Friday with a good number of sunny spells. A few showers developing during the day, but these lighter and more isolated than those on Thursday. Maximum temperature 19 °C."
It will be a more settled weekend, but temperatures will remain below average on Saturday and Sunday. This will come as a surprise for many, who have been enjoying the blistering sunshine we've experienced in the last few months.
Summer context and next week
It's been one of the hottest summers in the UK on record, and temperatures exceeded 30C across the North West just last week. However, things have taken a drastic turn with the end of August proving to feel like autumn has arrived early.
Milder weather should return next week, with a combination of wet conditions with sunny interludes.
Liverpool weather forecast: Thursday, August 20 - 17C; Friday, August 21 - 18C; Saturday, August 22 - 19C; Sunday, August 23 - 19C; Monday, August 24 - 22C; Tuesday, August 25 - 23C; Wednesday, August 26 - 22C.
