Heat, humidity, thunderstorms and downpours - what weather forecasters predict for Manchester this week

Manchester could be set for a week of heat, thunderstorms, downpours and even hail, according to forecasters.

The Met Office says the region could be hit by torrential downpours, frequent lightning and hail, and has put a weather warning for thunderstorms in place until Thursday.

They say that the weather will be dry with sunny spells before heavy, thundery showers develop later.

The middle of the week is expected to be particularly warm, with temperatures predicted to hit the late 20s.

This is what they have to say about the next seven days.

Today

Some places are likely to see severe thunderstorms on Monday, but there is 'significant uncertainty' in location and timing.

Today will be hot, with temperatures expected to reach a maximum of 26 degrees.

It will be largely dry, with patchy cloud and sunny spells and the odd shower possible.

The sunshine is expected to continue through the afternoon, however forecasters say thunderstorms are developing, with a risk of hail, torrential downpours and frequent lightning.

Tonight is expected to be warm and humid, there is a risk of thunder continuing through the evening, but showers are expected to ease overnight.

Read more of today's stories here

Tuesday

Tuesday is expected to be a dry day for many with cloud at times but also good spells of sunshine breaking through.

There is a chance however of heavy, perhaps thundery, showers developing. It is expected to be a very hot day with a maximum temperature of 29 °C.

Outlook for Wednesday to Friday

There is a risk of thunderstorms over the next few days with some heavy downpours possible.

The showers will be interspersed with drier, sunnier spells. It is expected to be warm and humid both day and night.

Next weekend

At present, Saturday is predicted to be a dry day, with highs of 22 °C

Sunday is also expected to be warm and mainly dry, with a chance of some rain in the late afternoon and early evening.