Greater Manchester could experience another heatwave next week, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 29C. The hottest day is expected on Wednesday, August 12, according to current forecasts.
The region has already endured extreme heat and little rain this summer, with drought conditions affecting several areas and water restrictions in force for millions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a heat-health alert for most of England, excluding the north west and north east, from 9am on Saturday, August 8, until 9pm on Tuesday, August 11.
Heatwave criteria for Greater Manchester
For north west England to officially enter a heatwave, temperatures must reach 25C or higher for at least three consecutive days. The current forecast for Manchester shows highs of 25C on Saturday, 24C on Sunday, 22C on Monday, 28C on Tuesday, and 29C on Wednesday. The Met Office forecast does not yet extend to Thursday, which will be crucial in determining whether the region meets the criteria.
A Met Office spokesperson said: "While it's still too early to confirm whether Manchester will reach heatwave criteria over the coming days, the forecast does show temperatures rising through the weekend and into next week, with highs currently expected to reach around 28-29C by the middle of the week."
They added: "A heatwave is defined as a period of at least three consecutive days where temperatures meet or exceed the local heatwave threshold. For Manchester, while temperatures are forecast to exceed 25C on several days next week, the exact timing and duration of the warmest conditions remains subject to change."
Monitoring the situation
The spokesperson concluded: "It is therefore too soon to say definitively whether heatwave criteria will be met, but it is certainly something we'll be monitoring closely."
Looking ahead, the Met Office spokesperson noted: "Current forecasts suggest that temperatures will build through the first half of next week, peaking around Tuesday and Wednesday. Beyond that, confidence naturally reduces, but at present the warm conditions look capable of continuing into the latter part of the week."
