Thunderstorm warning Manchester: when will city get thunder and lightning - and Met Office weather forecast

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Manchester.

Following on from the summer solstice earlier in the week that marked the beginning of summer it seems that many parts of the UK can expect a thunderstorm.

So, when can Manchester expect a thunderstorm?

Here’s everything you need to know about the latest updates from the Met Office.

When does the yellow weather warning come into action for Manchester?

The yellow weather warning was first put into places for North and Western areas of the UK at 10am on Thursday 23 June.

The yellow weather warning is currently in place until midnight tonight and covers Manchester as well as Birmingham, London and a small part of Cardiff.

What does a yellow weather warning mean?

According to the Met Office this yellow warning could bring a variety of weather conditions and damage to people, and their homes, in affected areas.

The Met Office also states that Yellow and Amber warning can represent a range of impact levels and possibilities. Therefore they ask people to read each warning carefully so they are aware of what they can expect.

Here’s a breakdown of what this specific Thunderstorm warning suggests for Manchester:

• There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
• There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life 
• Where flooding or lighting strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services 
• Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures 
• There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
• There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads

What is the weather forecast looking like?

Tonight

There will be scattered showers turning heavy and thundry at times. However, this is expected to clear by morning.

Temperatures will hit lows of 12 °C.

Friday

Friday will start off dry for many with some bright sunny spells breaking through. There will be scattered showers as the day progresses which may turn heavier. There is a potential for thunder in the evening.

Temperatures will hit a maximum of 22°C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday

Weather will be changeable and unsettled over the following days with showers and longer spells of rain in most places.

Showers may turn heavier and thundry in some places with some southwesterly winds picking up as well.

How to stay safe in a thunderstorm

The Met Office has an extensive breakdown of what to do before, during and after a thunderstorm.

You can find the full breakdown of advice on the official Met Office website.

Here are a few key pieces of information and advice to take into consideration when navigating through the yellow warning in place for Manchester:

• If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects
• Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake
• Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails. If you are in a tent, try to stay away from the metal poles
• Avoid downed power lines or broken cables
• Be aware that current can travel through other parts of many modern cars, including GPS and radio systems. Cars with metal interior handles, foot pedals and steering wheels can also carry current
• Keep your speed down, lowering your speed will lower the distance you travel when buffeted around by the wind.