Today: Thundery Showers, Minimum Temperature: 8°C (47°F) Maximum Temperature: 17°C (62°F)
Manchester is experiencing unsettled weather with thundery showers and a moderate southerly breeze, bringing temperatures ranging from a low of 8°C (47°F) to a high of 17°C (62°F). This pattern marks the beginning of a series of variable conditions expected over the coming weeks, including light rain showers, drizzle, and occasional sunny intervals. Following the thundery showers, the forecast indicates a trend of lighter precipitation and gentler winds through mid to late April. Temperatures will generally remain mild, with daytime highs hovering around 15-16°C (59-61°F) and overnight lows dipping to between 3°C (38°F) and 10°C (50°F). Winds are expected to shift direction, varying from south-westerly to north-easterly and westerly, but generally maintaining moderate speeds around 9-11 mph (14-17 km/h). The weather pattern suggests a typical spring transition for the region, characterized by intermittent rain and occasional dry, sunny spells. Such conditions may impact outdoor activities and travel plans, requiring residents and visitors to remain prepared for sudden showers. The mix of sunshine and rain is also beneficial for local agriculture and green spaces, supporting growth after the winter months. Overall, Manchester’s weather over the next two weeks will be marked by variability rather than extremes, with no significant heatwaves or cold snaps forecast. This steady, mild pattern reflects broader seasonal trends and provides a relatively stable outlook for the city’s residents and businesses.
Thursday: Light Rain Showers, Minimum Temperature: 10°C (49°F) Maximum Temperature: 16°C (61°F)
Manchester is expected to experience light rain showers and gentle breezes on Thursday, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (49°F) to a maximum of 16°C (61°F). Winds will come from the south-west at around 10 mph (16 km/h), contributing to mild and damp conditions throughout the day. This weather pattern follows a series of thundery showers and moderate breezes earlier in the week. The forecast for the coming days indicates a continuation of light rain and gentle breezes, with temperatures remaining relatively stable around the mid-teens Celsius. Friday and Saturday will see similar conditions, with highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows dropping slightly to 7°C (45°F) and 3°C (38°F) respectively. By Sunday, there will be some relief as sunny intervals and lighter winds are expected, although temperatures will remain cool. Looking ahead into the following week, the weather is predicted to alternate between light rain showers and sunny intervals, maintaining a generally mild and unsettled pattern. Wind speeds will mostly stay moderate, ranging from 6 to 11 mph (9 to 17 km/h), with directions shifting from south-westerly to north-easterly and easterly. This variability is typical for the region during spring and may impact outdoor activities and travel plans. Overall, Manchester residents should prepare for a week of mostly damp and cool weather, with occasional breaks of sunshine. The consistent presence of light rain and breezes underscores the importance of appropriate clothing and caution on the roads, especially during early mornings and evenings when temperatures dip closer to single digits.
Strong tornadoes, giant hail threaten Iowa to southern Great Lakes as severe storms redevelop
An enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms is forecast from eastern Iowa through southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and the southern Great Lakes region, with threats including large to giant hail, several tornadoes—some potentially strong—and damaging wind gusts. The highest risk is centered near a stalled frontal boundary extending from eastern Iowa into southern Wisconsin, where conditions such as low-level wind shear and atmospheric instability are expected to overlap. Forecasters anticipate that storms will rapidly organize into supercells capable of producing all severe hazards from late afternoon through overnight. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) highlights that moisture advection combined with steep mid-level lapse rates will support mixed-layer CAPE values at or above 2,500 J/kg across parts of Iowa and the Iowa–Wisconsin–Illinois border region. This environment favors intense supercell development, with the tornado threat particularly elevated near the frontal boundary due to enhanced storm-relative helicity. As the evening progresses, storms are expected to merge into a severe cluster, driven by a strengthening low-level jet, which will expand the damaging wind threat eastward toward the southern Great Lakes. Tornado risks may persist if storms develop ahead of the main line during boundary layer recovery. Farther south, scattered severe thunderstorms are also anticipated from eastern Kansas into Oklahoma and western north Texas, where a very unstable air mass with 2,500–3,000 J/kg MLCAPE and favorable wind profiles could support supercells capable of producing large to giant hail and possibly tornadoes. This severe weather threat follows an outbreak on April 13 that produced at least 14 tornado reports across Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, with the most significant damage near Ottawa, Kansas, including structural damage and power outages. No fatalities have been confirmed, but storm surveys are ongoing. The current severe weather pattern marks the beginning of a multi-day event affecting the central United States. The Weather Prediction Center warns of repeated rounds of severe thunderstorms and heavy rain through April 16, driven by multiple low-pressure waves along the frontal boundary. This increases the risk of localized flash flooding in affected areas, underscoring the need for continued vigilance as the severe weather threat persists across the southern and central Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes regions.
Bright green fireball seen over UK and northern Europe breaks up over North Sea
A bright green fireball was observed over the United Kingdom and parts of northern Europe late on April 12, 2026, drawing widespread attention from witnesses across the region. The fireball, which appeared around 23:24 UTC, was visible from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Isle of Man. Trajectory analysis indicates the meteoroid burned up over the North Sea, with no expectation of meteorite recovery. The event generated at least 227 witness reports, along with multiple photos and videos documenting the phenomenon. Observers consistently described the fireball as exceptionally bright—far exceeding the brightness of Venus—with a distinctive green or light-green hue, alongside occasional orange, yellow, white, and blue tones. Many witnesses reported a bright terminal flare and visible fragmentation near the end of the meteor’s path, including pulsing flashes and sparks, consistent with the object breaking apart during atmospheric entry. The meteoroid’s estimated mass was about 12 grams, entering Earth’s atmosphere at approximately 32,000 km/h (20,000 mph), which contributed to the unusually vivid display despite its relatively small size. Experts from the UK Fireball Alliance and the UK Meteor Network noted that the fireball was likely unrelated to any active meteor showers, suggesting it originated from a larger asteroid fragment. The trajectory analysis confirmed the object’s path over the North Sea, reducing the likelihood of meteorite fragments reaching the ground. While some reports mentioned faint sounds associated with the fireball, these were considered less reliable due to the wide viewing area and brief duration of the event. This fireball event highlights the ongoing monitoring and study of near-Earth objects and meteoroids entering the atmosphere, contributing valuable data to planetary defense efforts and public awareness of such natural phenomena. The detailed witness accounts and multimedia evidence provide important insights into the behavior and characteristics of small asteroid fragments as they interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
Spring flowers bloom in England after mix of hot and cold weather creates ideal conditions
A striking display of spring flowers has emerged across England following a rare combination of hot and cold weather that created ideal growing conditions. Last week, parts of the UK experienced record-breaking temperatures, with Kew Gardens in London reaching 26.5°C, the highest April temperature recorded since 1946. This brief heatwave was followed by a sudden temperature drop of around 10°C, which horticulturists say has helped accelerate and preserve the blooming of tulips, hyacinths, wisteria, daffodils, and other spring flora. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) noted that spring arrived notably early in southern England, with gardens such as RHS Wisley seeing cherry blossoms, magnolias, and tulips blooming at least two weeks ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, northern gardens like RHS Harlow Carr and RHS Bridgewater are just beginning to show signs of spring due to cooler temperatures, offering a staggered blooming season across the country. This variation provides an extended opportunity for the public to enjoy the seasonal displays as the south moves into late spring and the north enters early spring. The weather pattern has also had significant implications for the upcoming spring and summer flower shows, including the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. Gardeners had expressed concern that the early warmth might cause flowers grown for the shows to bloom prematurely and fade before the events. However, the subsequent cold snap has slowed the plants' development, helping to preserve the quality and timing of prize blooms. David Bouch, head gardener at the National Trust’s Cotehele in Cornwall, highlighted that while the record temperatures were a welcome change, the cooler conditions have since helped maintain the health and longevity of the flowers. This unusual weather sequence underscores the delicate balance of seasonal changes and their impact on horticulture in the UK. It also highlights the adaptability of gardeners and horticulturalists in managing plant growth amid fluctuating climate conditions, ensuring that both public enjoyment and traditional flower events continue successfully.
Explosive Category 5 Monster: The Typhoon Sinlaku Targeting Marianas Guam
Super Typhoon Sinlaku, a rapidly intensifying Category 5 storm, is advancing across the Philippine Sea toward the Northern Marianas and Guam. Currently the most powerful storm globally in 2026, Sinlaku is sustaining winds estimated between 155 and 164 knots (180-190 mph) with a central pressure dropping as low as 888 millibars. The storm’s eyewall is expected to bring catastrophic impacts, particularly to the islands of Saipan and Tinian, with the potential for high-end Category 4 or Category 5 conditions. Guam remains on alert as the storm’s path shifts, but the Northern Marianas are now considered at greatest risk. Sinlaku’s explosive intensification has been fueled by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the region, contributing to its rapid deepening and expansion. Satellite imagery and lightning activity within the eyewall indicate the typhoon is still strengthening as it approaches. Authorities and meteorologists warn of severe damage from extreme winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge, which could overwhelm local infrastructure and emergency systems. Residents across the Marianas are preparing for the storm’s arrival, which could disrupt power, communications, and transportation for an extended period. Guam and the Northern Marianas lie within the Western Pacific’s “Typhoon Alley,” an area frequently impacted by intense tropical cyclones. Historical storms such as Typhoon Karen in 1962 and Typhoon Paka in 1997 have shaped the region’s disaster preparedness and building codes. Karen, with sustained winds of 185 mph, destroyed the majority of wooden homes on Guam, prompting a shift to concrete construction and the development of one of the world’s most advanced Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness (TCCR) systems. Paka’s record wind gusts caused widespread devastation and prolonged power outages, underscoring the vulnerability of the islands to super typhoons. The impending threat from Sinlaku highlights the ongoing challenges faced by island communities in the Pacific as climate change contributes to warmer ocean temperatures and potentially more intense storms. Emergency officials continue to monitor the typhoon’s trajectory closely, urging residents to finalize preparations and heed evacuation orders if issued. The storm’s impact will be a critical test of the region’s resilience and response capabilities.