The weather just keeps on getting warmer in Greater Manchester, with temperatures forecast to hit 26C this weekend. Glorious sunshine and temperatures in the low 20s have brought people out and about in swathes for the past few weeks.
High pressure over the UK has been responsible for the current spell of warm, settled conditions. Into June, with meteorological summer beginning on the first, we've seen above-average temperatures already.
The mercury usually rises to 18.5C in our region at this time of year. It's set to get even hotter from this weekend - but does it mean we're in for a heatwave?
Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link
According to The Met Office, the daily maximum temperature must reach 25C or higher in Greater Manchester. This threshold must be met or exceeded for three consecutive days in a row to class as a heatwave.
On Thursday and Friday, the forecaster predicts temperatures of 20C and 22C respectively. But from Saturday, temperatures will meet and then rise above the threshold, as follows:
- Saturday – 26C
- Sunday – 25C
- Monday – 26C
- Tuesday – 25C
- Wednesday - 25C
So yes, Greater Manchester is in for a five-day heatwave - which could last even longer, if the trend continues.
The balmy conditions will be welcome news for those attending Parklife at Heaton Park, The Weeknd at Etihad Stadium and Soccer Aid at Old Trafford this weekend. Unfortunately though, there's a chance it's not going to stay dry.
This morning (Thursday June 8), the Met Office issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms which comes into force at 2pm on Saturday, covering almost all of Greater Manchester, as well as Wales and the south east, south west and north west of England.
The Met Office said: "Whilst many places will be largely dry, thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail are likely to develop in some places on Saturday afternoon. High temperatures developing across parts of England and Wales on Saturday are expected to trigger a scattering of showers across this area, some of which are likely to be torrential and thundery, bringing 30-40mm in an hour."
It continued: "The odd place affected by multiple showers could see more than this, perhaps in excess of 60mm. As well as rain, hail, strong gusts of wind, and lightning will be additional hazards. Despite all of this, many places in the warning area will remain dry, or only see small amounts of rain, due to the well-scattered nature of the heaviest showers."
Meanwhile yesterday (Wednesday June 7), the first heat-health alert of the year was issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office. It covers six regions in England including London, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West.
The alert is in place from 9am on Friday, June 9 to Monday morning on June 12. The public is being warned to check on loved ones over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing medical conditions as the temperatures rise.
Dr Agostinho Sousa of the UKHSA said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.
“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
READ NEXT:
