Greater Manchester weather forecast as north west faces weather alert

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain tomorrow, signalling further troubles for this year's already wet summer.

The Met Office has issued a 16-hour weather warning for parts of the north west with heavy rain and possible thunderstorms on the way. The yellow weather warning for rain comes into effect at 8am today (July 17) and lasts until 11.59pm tonight. Downpours of up to 40mm are expected over the course of a few hours. It covers the whole of Wales, the West Midlands and the south west as well as Merseyside.

According to the forecast, these conditions may result in slow travel times, localised flooding, and even a small chance of flooding in homes and businesses. Additionally, it is advised to watch out for lightning which adds an extra layer of risk.

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The Met Office warning reads: "Outbreaks of rain, some heavy and thundery, will spread steadily north across the area during Monday. Some torrential downpours are likely in places with 15 to 20mm falling in less than an hour and as much as 30 to 40mm in three hours.

"This is likely to lead to localised flooding, slower travel times and a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded. Some of the heavy rain may be accompanied by lightning bringing a further hazard.

The statement from the Met Office continues: "The heavy rain will slowly ease after dark."

Already this month, many parts of England have been drenched with about 80% of July's average rainfall total. This soggy beginning to the season comes on the heel of the UK experiencing its wettest spring since 198k6, marking it as the sixth wettest recorded.

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