‘Storm-Proof and Proud’ Manchester ranks among UK’s toughest cities when it comes to bad weather
As high temperatures sweep across the UK this weekend, new research from Yorkshire-based outdoor clothing brand TOG24 has identified Manchester as the city with the highest tolerance for extreme weather conditions, and how people respond to them.
In a new national survey of over 2,000 adults, Mancunians showed significantly higher tolerance for poor weather. Just 47% said they would cancel a picnic due to moderate rain, compared to the national figure of 61%. Similarly, only 49% would abandon plans due to gale-force winds - well below the 68% national figure.
The results suggest that people in Manchester are more likely than most to carry on with their plans regardless of the forecast, reflecting a practical attitude that sets the city apart.
That attitude also shows up in their outfits. Nearly one in three people in Manchester (29%) have worn flip-flops in the rain, and the same number admit to donning a makeshift poncho, often made from a bin bag, to stay dry. National figures sit at just 16% and 11%, respectively.
The survey also revealed distinct regional differences in clothing choices. Residents of Manchester were considerably more likely to wear flip-flops in the rain (29% vs. 17% nationally) and to use makeshift ponchos, such as bin bags (29% vs. 12% nationally). Clearly, Mancunians are willing to improvise when faced with unpredictable British weather.
While Scotland was voted the region with the most weather-resilient people by 37% of Brits, Manchester respondents showed strong regional pride, with 41% believing the North West has the toughest people when it comes to weather resilience - compared to just 8% who thought the same nationally.
"Looking at these results," says TOG24 Managing Director Mark Ward, "you'd think we were a nation of fair-weather picnickers [...] But with British weather doing what it does best, which is switching from sun to sleet in minutes, we design clothing that's ready for whatever the skies throw at you."
TOG24’s survey also found that, despite the conditions, the determination to get outside remains strong - and in Manchester, that attitude clearly holds. In fact, 41% of residents, the joint third-highest figure in the country, agreed they would continue with plans in challenging weather - whether it’s a football match, a festival, or a family get-together.