The Met Office has issued an urgent yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across North West England - including parts of Greater Manchester.
Forecasters predict heavy showers to develop rapidly across the morning and afternoon, followed by hail and lightning in some parts. While many of these showers will be slow-moving, some parts could see as much as 20 to 50mm of rain in the span of two or three hours, according to the Met Office.
Disruptions are also expected with conditions affecting driving and rail services. There will also be a risk of buildings being damaged by lightning strikes.
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The yellow warning will be in effect from 11.30am to 7pm today. It stretches across much of the country, from Carlisle down to London and encompasses Leeds, Sheffield and the Midlands. It affects the eastern fringes of Greater Manchester, including Littleborough and across into Glossop, with other areas in the North West affected including Cheshire East, Cumbria, and Lancashire.
Speaking of the forecasted weather in the region, the Met Office said: "A mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers. Showers could be heavy and slow moving, carrying the risk of hail and thunder. Light winds and feeling pleasant in the best of any sunshine. Maximum temperature 16 °C."
For tonight, it adds: "Daytime showers soon easing during the evening to leave clear spells overnight. Light winds allowing some patchy mist and fog to form in prone spots, and a slightly cooler night. Minimum temperature 7 °C."
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