The Met Office has issued an urgent weather update for Greater Manchester, forecasting a weekend that’s likely to be wet, windy, and just plain wild. With heavy rain and strong gusts expected across Saturday and Sunday, this guide breaks it all down in a way that even a 10-year-old can understand, while still offering valuable insights for professionals, business owners, and commuters.
This article provides weather context, data-backed insights, and real-world advice, along with action steps, FAQs, and more.
Met Office Issues Urgent Weekend Update for Greater Manchester
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Region | Greater Manchester, including Bolton, Wigan, Rochdale, etc. |
| Main Hazards | Heavy rainfall (10–20 mm), wind gusts (up to 50 mph), poor visibility |
| Timing | Peak rain on Saturday, August 30 from 2 PM – 6 PM |
| Wind Conditions | Strong gusts especially in open/upland areas |
| Advice | Plan travel early, carry wet-weather gear, avoid outdoor events |
| Risk of Flooding? | Low to moderate risk (surface flooding possible) |
This Met Office weekend update for Greater Manchester is your heads-up to get proactive—not panicked. Whether you’re a commuter, parent, or professional, smart planning can make all the difference.
The storm isn’t monstrous, but it is serious. Delays, drenched socks, and overturned bins are on the table—unless you plan ahead. Keep an umbrella close, check your route, and enjoy the calm after the storm.
What’s Happening With the Weather This Weekend?
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. A low-pressure system from the Atlantic is barging into the UK, dragging with it a classic British brew of grey skies, heavy downpours, and howling winds.
Saturday: Slosh-Fest Incoming
Saturday’s going to be the rough one:
- Clouds thick from dawn
- Showers starting midday
- Heavy rain around 2–6 PM
- Rainfall: Up to 20 mm (that’s a lot for one day)
- Winds: Gusts over 50 mph in upland areas like Saddleworth and areas west of Manchester
This is no yellow warning (yet), but it might still soak your shoes and delay your commute.
Sunday: Kinda Chill, Kinda Not
Sunday will be lighter with scattered showers, patches of sunlight, and occasional wind bursts. Still not picnic-perfect, but much calmer.
Weather Preparedness Checklist
Here’s what you should do now, and what to keep handy:
For Everyone
Check local weather alerts on Met Office App
Secure garden furniture, bins, or anything that might blow away
Reschedule outdoor plans if they’re non-essential
For Drivers
Top off windshield wiper fluid
Keep emergency kit (torch, blanket, phone charger)
Avoid waterlogged roads like A666 near Bolton or Chorlton Road
For Businesses
Delay deliveries or reschedule loading/unloading
Ensure water drainage systems are clear
Move inventory off the floor in flood-prone areas
This Weekend vs. Last Weekend
| Feature | This Weekend (Aug 30-31) | Last Weekend (Aug 23-24) |
| Average Temperature | 12°C – 14°C | 18°C – 20°C |
| Precipitation | Heavy, frequent showers | Mostly sunny with light cloud |
| Wind Speed | Gusts up to 35 mph (56 kph) | Light breezes |
| Warning Level | Yellow warning for rain | No warnings |
Did You Know? (Historical Weather Nuggets)
Here’s a little weather trivia:
In July 2019, Greater Manchester recorded a summer deluge with 38.6 mm of rain in 24 hours, one of the wettest days in five years.
And in Storm Christoph (Jan 2021), the region saw widespread flood alerts and river overflows across Didsbury and Sale.
So while this weekend isn’t “apocalypse now,” it fits a growing trend of increasingly intense weather episodes, likely influenced by climate change.
What the Experts Say
Dr. Hannah Clayson, meteorologist at the Met Office, explains:
“These kinds of low-pressure events are typical in the transition from summer to autumn. While this isn’t a record-breaking storm, localized impacts—especially with rainfall rates above 4 mm/hour—can cause flooding and affect transport.”
Data Summary
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Rainfall | 10–20 mm on Saturday |
| Peak Time | 2 PM – 6 PM |
| Wind Speed | Up to 50 mph |
| UV Index | 2 (Low) |
| Visibility | Reduced during showers |
| Chance of Thunder | Low, but not zero |
Hour-by-Hour Timeline (Saturday Example)
| Time | Weather |
|---|---|
| 9 AM | Cloudy, light wind |
| 12 PM | Showers begin |
| 2 PM | Heavy rain starts |
| 3–5 PM | Peak rain, gusty winds |
| 6 PM onward | Rain tapers off, breezy |
Voices From Greater Manchester
“We’ve seen bins fly, trampolines flip, and bus shelters collapse. I always bolt stuff down when the Met Office says 50 mph.”
— Tony, delivery driver from Oldham
“Saturday is our busiest day for our food stall. We’ll move indoors and prep sandbags just in case.”
— Layla, small business owner in Salford
Why This Matters Beyond Manchester
This weather event isn’t just local drama. Greater Manchester is a logistics artery—disruption here affects:
- Delivery timelines
- Transport infrastructure
- Event coordination across the North
Even flights from Manchester Airport can experience turbulence delays when wind gusts are strong.
Essential Tips for a Rainy Weekend
Don’t let the forecast ruin your plans! Here are a few tips to stay safe and make the most of the weekend:
- Do check local flood alerts before you travel, especially if you’re in a low-lying area.
- Don’t drive through floodwater. Just 30cm (1 foot) of flowing water is enough to sweep a car away.
- Do layer up. Despite the rain, the temperatures won’t be extremely cold, but the wind can make it feel much cooler. A waterproof jacket is a must.
- Don’t forget to secure any outdoor furniture or garden items. The strong gusts could easily blow them around.
A Real-World Example
Local resident Sarah, who lives in Stockport, found out about the weather update on Friday. Instead of planning a long hike she had been looking forward to, she decided to shift her plans. “I checked the forecast and saw the warning for Saturday morning,” she said. “I’ve changed my plans to a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in the city centre instead. It’s a great way to stay dry and still have a fun day out with the kids!”
FAQs
1. Are there flood warnings right now?
Not officially. But surface flooding is likely in areas with poor drainage.
2. Will public transport be affected?
Yes—check TfGM or National Rail for live updates on delays and diversions.
3. How can I track the storm live?
Use the RainViewer App or Met Office Radar.
4. Is climate change making UK weather worse?
Yes. More erratic rainfall and stronger storms are part of a warming world. Learn more via the Royal Meteorological Society.
