Weather Forecast: Enjoy these bright, sunny days while they last! The North West of England is currently basking under a spell of glorious high pressure, promising more dry and pleasant weather as we head towards the end of the working week. However, a significant change is on the horizon for the weekend, all thanks to a powerful player in the Atlantic: Hurricane Gabrielle.
Thursday and Friday: A Final Dose of Sunshine
Thursday delivers another superb day across the region. After a crisp and chilly start—where spots like Penrith could see temperatures dip to 3-4°C—we’re in for a day filled with largely sunny skies. Expect highs of a very pleasant 15 to 17°C, feeling particularly warm in urban areas like Manchester. The fine weather continues into Thursday evening, leading to another cool night under clear skies.
Friday remains dry, but signs of the incoming shift will begin to show. While still settled, expect more widespread and thicker cloud to push northwards during the day. It will feel a touch cooler than Thursday, especially along the coast with a developing breeze, as the sunshine becomes increasingly hidden.
The Weekend Shift: How Hurricane Gabrielle Influences Our Weather
So, how does a hurricane miles away near Portugal affect us? While Gabrielle itself will miss the UK, its far-reaching weather fronts will sweep across the North West.
Saturday is when we’ll really feel the impact. A band of showery rain, associated with the hurricane, is forecast to move eastwards across the region throughout the morning. This won’t just be a light drizzle; we could see some heavy downpours, particularly across northern and western parts like Cumbria. These persistent showers may linger well into the evening, with some areas potentially receiving 20-40mm of rainfall.
Sunday should see the most intense rain clear, but the day will likely remain unsettled with further showery spells and plenty of cloud. The Lake District might catch some brighter breaks, but overall, pack a waterproof jacket if you have outdoor plans.
The Big Question: Is This a Brief Blip or a New Trend?
For those worried about a return to a wet autumn, the good news is that this unsettled spell looks like a temporary interruption. Current meteorological models suggest that high pressure will rebuild next week, promising a return to drier and more settled conditions as we move through the last week of September and into the start of October. Consider this weekend a brief, blustery interlude in an otherwise fine autumn forecast.
Answers to “People Also Ask” Questions
Q: Will Hurricane Gabrielle hit the UK?
A: No, Hurricane Gabrielle itself will not hit the UK. It is expected to track towards Portugal. However, its large weather system will send rain and wind bands northwards, directly impacting the weather in North West England this weekend.
Q: What will the weather be like in Manchester this weekend?
A: Manchester can expect a wet and windy change on Saturday, with showery rain moving in. Sunday looks likely to remain cloudy with further showers possible. It’s a sharp contrast to the dry, sunny weather earlier in the week.
Q: Is it going to rain in the Lake District this weekend?
A: Yes, the Lake District and wider Cumbria area are expected to see the heaviest of the weekend’s rain, particularly on Saturday. Heavy, persistent showers are likely, so if you’re planning a hike, be prepared for challenging conditions and always check local forecasts.
Q: Will the nice weather return after the weekend?
A: Forecasts currently indicate yes! The influence of Hurricane Gabrielle is expected to be short-lived. High pressure is predicted to return, bringing back drier, sunnier, and more settled weather for much of the following week.