Greater Manchester is on the verge of seeing rainfall for the first time in three weeks after an unusually dry stretch left the region parched.
According to local weather blog Oldham Weather, the area has gone 21 consecutive days without measurable rain, with the last recorded rainfall falling on July 2 when just 3.8mm was measured.
The prolonged lack of precipitation has created difficult conditions across the region, affecting gardens, sports facilities and emergency services dealing with wildfire outbreaks.
Wildfires and Dry Ground Raise Concerns
The persistent dry weather has intensified pressure on firefighters tackling two major moorland blazes above Glossop and Tintwistle.
The lack of rainfall has also left gardens struggling and golf courses searching for relief as the ground continues to dry out.
With July proving significantly drier than average, concerns have grown over how long the landscape can cope without sustained rainfall.
Met Office Predicts Weekend Change
Weather forecasters say conditions are finally expected to shift over the weekend.
Met Office chief forecaster Steve Willington explained that the high-pressure system responsible for the recent spell of exceptionally hot weather is beginning to move away.
He said a weak weather front is expected to travel south across the UK on Saturday, bringing some welcome rainfall, although the showers are likely to be light and focused mainly across northern and western areas.
Behind the front, cooler and more unstable air is forecast to arrive, increasing the possibility of heavier showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Sunday Offers the Best Chance of Rain
Current Met Office forecasts suggest only around a 30% chance of rain from Saturday afternoon.
However, Sunday is expected to provide the strongest opportunity for wetter conditions, with light rain forecast through much of the day.
While the expected rainfall is unlikely to be heavy, it should offer at least some relief after weeks of dry weather.
Dry Conditions Expected to Return Next Week
Despite the anticipated weekend showers, forecasters believe the change will be short-lived.
From Monday onward, warm and largely dry conditions are expected to return, with daytime temperatures settling into the low 20s Celsius—noticeably cooler than the recent heatwave but still pleasant for much of the week.
Rainfall Totals Remain Well Below Average
Oldham Weather noted that July has been exceptionally dry compared with normal conditions.
The region typically receives around 89.1mm of rain during the month, but only about 4mm has fallen so far.
The weather blog also predicted that while some rain is expected over the weekend, it is unlikely to be enough to significantly ease the dry conditions or provide the level of relief hoped for by firefighters battling the moorland fires and by golf clubs coping with increasingly hard ground.
