Greater Manchester leaves drought as dry weather is forecast for Bonfire Night

Greater Manchester is no longer in drought after heavy rain across the region. The Environment Agency moved north-west England, including Cumbria, to recovery status on Wednesday 28 October.

The change followed England’s wettest week in two years. The region had spent much of the summer in drought.

Dry weather is now forecast for Greater Manchester through the week, including Bonfire Night on Thursday 5 November. The Met Office expects high pressure to bring settled conditions, with sunny spells from Monday 2 November to Thursday 5 November and more cloud at the weekend.

Temperatures are expected to be around 10–12°C, close to the average for early November, though some mornings will be chilly.

Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said high pressure could trap smoke from bonfires and celebrations, reducing visibility at times. He did not expect this to cause many hazards.

The recovery in the north-west does not extend across the country. Severe drought remains in parts of the South West and Sussex, while much of Wales is also still in drought.

The Environment Agency said at least 120% of average rainfall would be needed over the next six months for the whole country to leave drought by spring.