Greater Manchester to bake in record-breaking…

Greater Manchester to bake in record-breaking temperatures as 'danger to life' warnings issued

Greater Manchester is set to see some cooler temperatures for the next few days before a potentially record-breaking period of hot weather hits the region, bringing a "danger to life" warning.

Forecasts for the next few days are predicting the region will see much more manageable highs of around 20 degrees, before temperatures start to creep back up over the weekend. Some isolated showers are possible across the North West in the coming days but the Met Office is expecting to see dry weather with sunny spells.

However, the reprieve from the heat is not set to last, with temperatures set to hit highs of around 30 degrees from Sunday, rising on Monday and Tuesday, with the Met Office warning the hot weather could continue into next week. An extension of the extreme heat weather warning, meaning a danger to life or potential for serious illnesses, put in place for Sunday and Monday will be considered over the coming days.

According to meteorologists, temperatures could hit highs of 32 degrees by Tuesday in several boroughs, such as Stockport, Salford, and Trafford, with the potential for thunderstorms early next week. It's not yet certain how long the warm weather could last. Looking ahead to next week's weather forecast, from Sunday July 17 to Tuesday July 26, the Met Office said: "Through the start of the period, sunny and dry conditions will prevail for most under the influence of high pressure, though showers are likely across the northwest at times.

"Thundery showers are occasionally possible in the south and southwest, spreading erratically northwards and eastwards. It is uncertain how long the very hot weather will last, but it is likely that much of the UK will see a return to near normal or slightly above average temperatures and more widely unsettled conditions during the later part of the period."

The record temperature for Manchester was set in the summer of 1976, when the region hit highs of 33.7C. In 2003, the mercury crept up to 33.1C, whilst the hot summer of 1990 saw temperatures hit a high of 32.1C. It's not yet sure whether we'll see these records beaten in the coming days, but it's certainly a possibility according to experts, who expect to see temperatures rise day-on-day until the weather breaks.

Yesterday, July 12, North West Ambulance Service moved to the highest alert level, with the Trust saying it was under "extreme pressure", partially due to the heat. More patients were struggling with heat-related illnesses, as the warm weather sees "lots more respiratory illnesses" according to NHS sources.

Royal Bolton Hospital and Stepping Hill hospital also admitted staff are facing "extremely busy" A&Es, with Rae Wheatcroft, chief operating officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust saying: "We’re incredibly busy throughout the year, but long spells of hot weather can have a significant impact on our emergency services." Good Morning Britain GP Dr Amir Khan said "all our lives are at risk" after a Level Four heat warning could be put in place by the Met Office - something he'd only ever read about in textbooks.

Greater Manchester forecast for the rest of the week:

Wednesday, July 13: Overcast changing to sunny by lunchtime, highs of 20C, lows of 15C

Thursday, July 14: Sunny intervals changing to cloudy by late morning, highs of 19C, lows of 13C

Friday, July 15: Cloudy changing to light showers by lunchtime, highs of 19C, lows of 12C

Saturday, July 16: Sunny intervals changing to cloudy by late morning, highs of 23C, lows of 15C

Sunday, July 17: Amber weather warning for extreme heat, highs of 27C, lows of 18C

Monday, July 18: Amber weather warning for extreme heat, highs of 30C, lows of 20C

Tuesday, July 19: Sunny changing to cloudy by early evening, highs of 32C, lows of 18C