The Met Office has extended a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms in Greater Manchester, with more heavy rain forecast for the region this morning.
The warning was originally in place from 7pm on Wednesday evening (August 19) until 10am today, but has now been extended until 1pm this afternoon. It covers all of Greater Manchester, as well as parts of the North West, Derbyshire, the North East of England, Wales, and Yorkshire and Humber.
Heavy Showers and Travel Disruption Expected
The forecaster warned that heavy showers and storms are likely to 'lead to some travel disruption and flash flooding'. According to the Met Office, heavy showers are forecast in the area until around 1pm, with lighter showers expected this afternoon amid cloudy and sunny spells.
The rain follows a prolonged dry spell and several heatwaves across the UK. The Met Office said some areas are seeing the 'first meaningful rain for a long time' this week.
Drier Weekend Ahead
Drier conditions are forecast for Greater Manchester on Friday and over the weekend. A mix of sunny and cloudy spells are expected across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with highs of 18C on Friday, 20C on Saturday, and 20C on Sunday. A few light showers are predicted for Friday evening, but the weekend looks set to be mainly dry.
Forecasters and officials warned that the downpours this week would not solve the drought overnight, as all of Wales and nearly three-quarters of England remain in drought as a result of the hot, dry conditions.
