Met Office maps show the exact date Greater Manchester and the north west of England could be hit by "heavy downpours and thunderstorms" this week. The rainfall is expected to sweep across parts of England on Thursday and Friday, following a record-breaking summer of heatwaves and dry conditions that has led to drought in large parts of England and all of Wales.
When and where rain is forecast
Despite some recent rainfall, drought or prolonged dry weather remains across the UK, with millions of households still affected by water restrictions such as hosepipe bans. United Utilities, which supplies water to Greater Manchester and the north west, has said it has no plans to impose any water restrictions, but urged people to "use water wisely".
This week, the Met Office has forecast an "unsettled period", which could see "heavy downpours and thunderstorms" in north west England between Wednesday (August 26) and Friday (August 28). The Met Office's north west forecast for those three days reads: "Low pressure moving in from the southwest will bring an unsettled period, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms likely each day. Turning increasingly humid, with temperatures staying a little above average."
Detailed rainfall maps and long-range outlook
Weather maps published by the Met Office show rain hitting Greater Manchester and the north west from Thursday afternoon, with a second heavy spell of rain to hit on Friday morning.
Looking ahead, the long-range forecast, which covers the period between August 28 and September 6, warns of "unsettled" conditions. "A relatively unsettled start to this period, as showers or longer spells of rain are possible across many parts of the UK, along with some strong winds," the Met Office forecast reads.
"Some heavy bursts and thunderstorms are likely at times. It will likely remain changeable into early September, with rainfall amounts probably above average for the time of year and the potential for some more strong winds at times. However, some drier, more settled interludes could develop at times."
Temperatures are likely to be near average, although some short-lived warm or hot spells are possible, especially in the south.
