On Tuesday, heavy rain swept across the region, forcing the suspension of Stockport County’s home match against Wigan Athletic due to unsafe pitch conditions. Localised flooding was reported across several areas, including Cheadle Hulme, Tottington, and Whitworth, prompting concerns over drainage and infrastructure resilience as wet weather continues into the week.
Localised Flooding Follows Tuesday’s Weather Disruption
According to the Met Office, rainfall across Greater Manchester on Tuesday was prolonged enough to cause significant surface water issues in low-lying or poorly drained areas. Reports on social media highlighted problems on Hesketh Bridge in Cheadle Hulme, Bank Street in Tottington, and Eastgate in Whitworth, where residents described water pooling along roads and pavements.
Despite the impact on travel and events, including the near hour-long delay during Stockport County’s match at Edgeley Park, the Met Office did not issue a formal weather warning for the North West. In contrast, yellow weather alerts for heavy rain were in place for parts of South Wales and the South West of England on Wednesday, underscoring the regional variability in the UK’s weather systems.
By early Wednesday morning, conditions across Greater Manchester had stabilised, with dry and cloudy skies observed across much of the region. However, forecasters noted a shift expected by midday, with cloud thickening and light showers predicted to develop from around 2pm. Rain is expected to intensify later in the day, becoming heavy from 4pm and persisting through the early evening.
Rain to Ease Overnight as Milder Temperatures Continue
The forecast indicates that Wednesday’s heavy rainfall will ease after 9pm, gradually returning to lighter showers and eventually dry conditions during the early hours of Thursday. While the rain is likely to raise concerns for saturated ground and potential surface water hazards, no formal warnings have been issued for Greater Manchester as of Wednesday morning.
Meteorologists expect mild temperatures to continue through mid-November, with highs of 15°C and overnight lows remaining around 10°C. This is slightly above seasonal norms, a pattern that has become increasingly common in recent autumns across the UK.
Thursday is expected to offer a short reprieve from the unsettled conditions, with sunny intervals likely in the morning and early afternoon before skies become overcast once again in the evening. Maximum temperatures will remain steady at 14°C.
Looking ahead, while no severe weather alerts have been posted for Greater Manchester, residents are advised to stay informed through official Met Office updates, especially given the recent trend of localised but impactful rainfall events. With drainage systems already under pressure in some areas, even moderate rain can pose problems for travel and infrastructure.
