Manchester is in the grip of a heatwave – and it’s about to get hotter

Summer has finally arrived in Manchester – and it’s about to get even hotter in the week ahead.

Yes, we’re now officially in heatwave territory, with the Met Office issuing a weather warning for much of the UK from now until Friday that temperatures could be set to get very, very high in the coming days.

In Manchester, bright sunshine saw temperatures rise to 26 degrees on Monday, increasing up to a sweltering 30 degrees on Tuesday.

That sparked huge thunder and lightning storms across Manchester in the early hours of Wednesday.  But the sunshine returned for the rest of Wednesday, with peak temperatures of 26 degrees.

But it is set to get really hot and humid with a predicted 33 degrees on Thursday before the chance of more thundery showers in the evening.  That could help break the heat a little, with Friday’s forecast for a slightly more comfortable 24 degrees in the sunshine.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning over the predicted weather for a huge swathe of the country – which is coded “Heatwave action” and encourages people to take steps to stay safe as temperatures in some parts of the country could reach 36 degrees.

Some exceptionally high temperatures 🌡️ are likely this week but how #hot will it get? #HeatwaveUK pic.twitter.com/i5woXICUez

— Met Office (@metoffice) July 22, 2019

Their safety tips include staying out of the direct sunshine where possible, keeping homes as cool as possible by using curtains or blinds to shade rooms from sunlight and keeping windows closed during the day and open at night, and drinking plenty of fluids.

Areas set to get the highest temperatures are in central and eastern England, down to London and the south coast.

The heatwave comes just as most children across the UK have started their school summer holidays – with millions of families getting to enjoy the heat away from work for the week.

If you’re looking for inspiration for ways to enjoy the sun, then check out some of our handy guides below.

For a round-up of some of the best Manchester restaurants and bars with beer gardens, roof terraces and outdoor space, click here.

For some of the best sunny spots where you can be sure of getting a seat, click here.

For news of a free beach for the kids, click here.