A rain storm passing over Greater Manchester led to a sudden and violent downpour today, before giving way to glorious rainbows.
Shoppers and workers in Manchester city centre were caught by surprise by the almost-instant deluge, as our pictures show, with many shown running for cover with coats over their heads.
But the lashing didn't last for long - thankfully giving way to picture-postcard rainbow scenes across the city region as the skies brightened almost as quickly as they had darkened.
According to the Met Office a heavy band of rain passed over Greater Manchester releasing as much as 16mm of rain per hour before heading north through Lancashire and up towards Cumbria.
Our photographer captured scenes as the heavy rain bounced down in the city centre, with people grabbing their umbrellas and making a run for it as the downpour hit without warning.
And according to the Met Office, a March mixture of sunshine and showers - some heavy - together with thunder on Friday is predicted across Greater Manchester for the rest of this week - meaning there is more to come.
But today's heavy rainfall was short-lived as a riot of stunning colour replaced the leaden skies.
Our snapper was on hand to capture a rainbow in the city centre as dozens of others took to social media to share photos they had taken, including one stunning image of a rainbow curving across the city centre skyline taken by Matt Chandler from the Beetham Tower.
One Twitter user said: "So far, so Manchester: had waterproofs, including leggings, on for all of five minutes before the sun started cracking the flagstones again."
The Met Office forecast a rainy day on Friday, with showers predicted for most of the day although conditions should brighten and dry up by the evening. Friday also should feel a touch colder, with highs predicted of around 11C.
A spokesman said: "Showers continue on Thursday and Friday, turning heavy and thundery at times. Often windy, and temperatures near average."
"A mixture of sunshine and further showers on Friday, again potentially heavy with hail and thunder. Showers could merge into longer spells of rain at times. It will remain windy with maximum temperatures of 11C."
Saturday appears to be no different, with sporadic showers forecast to hit Greater Manchester on and off throughout the day, together with some sunshine.
Sunday, meanwhile, is expected to be the driest day of the week, with heavy predicted downpours from around 7am making way for dry, overcast conditions from mid-morning onwards.
"As we get to Sunday an area of low pressure will move to the East which will allow some slightly cooler air into the far north. As such the temperatures in your area are not expected to fall too much, more returning to around average at 9C," added the spokesman.
"On Monday, largely dry with sunny spells and light winds after a frosty start.
"Coastal showers, wintry in places, across the northeast accompanied by stronger winds. Temperatures generally below average, but with lighter winds and sunshine feeling quite pleasant for most."
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- They said it began as a joke - but what they then carried out was 'truly terrifying'
- Woman haunted by a childhood incident found dead in Travelodge room
- They thought they were untouchable - now they're behind bars
- The Manchester park set to become the city's tenth nature reserve
- Woman dies after Asda petrol station crash following suspected medical episode at the wheel
