Heatwave to fizzle out with thundery showers
IN MANCHESTER SINCE JUNE 18
IT hasn’t rained in Greater Manchester for more than three weeks – but forecasters say the dry spell could be about to end.
According to the Met Office, the last showers in the region were on June 18.
Temperatures have reached 30C, with the region basking in glorious sunshine.
Met Office experts believe the pleasant conditions could come to an abrupt end on Wednesday evening, with the potential for thunderstorms and heavy rain. Forecasters have said western areas of the country are likely to see showers through to Friday.
Weather warnings could also issued as the week progresses. The showers will come as a welcome relief for firefighters who have been tackling moorland fires in Saddleworth and Winter Hill.
Rain could help to stop the blazes smouldering. Temperatures have already started dropping across the region. As of noon yesterday, it was around 22C. Highs of 23C to 24C are expected by Friday. Nicola Maxey, spokeswoman for the Met Office, said: “There is the potential for thunder storms in the west side of the country on Wednesday to Friday. “At the moment no warnings have been issued, but as systems develop we may look at issuing a warning. There is some rainfall expected from the west side of the country.
“On Wednesday some of that can be quite heavy and thundery.
“As we go into Thursday the west side of the country could see some heavy thundery showers.”
She added: “The rain will be showery. It could be dry down the road and then heavy elsewhere.
“There won’t be massive floods of rain. They are just showers. Some of them could be short and sharp thundery rain.
“When you get one and are under it you will know you are in a heavy shower.”