Although a better day for the North West. Heavy downpour risk remains

Heavy rain and thunderstorms will bring a chance of further flooding and travel disruption to the North West later today (Thursday).

The chance is now only small, but as land is saturated from this weeks rain - and in particular Wednesday nights downpours around Poynton - the Met Office have issued a 'Be Aware' warning to cover the potential risk of flash flooding and dangerous driving conditions.

Local Environment Agency site at Prestbury recorded 64mm of rain in the 24 hour period up to 6.30pm Wednesday. The Met Office July average rainfall for Cheshire is 63.2mm.

Thursday's showers will be less widespread compared to previous days, but they could once more cluster in to longer spells of rain, especially over the Pennines, by late afternoon/evening. A further 25mm of rain could fall on already saturated ground creating further impacts across the Nrth West.

Skies will clear overnight and Friday looks like a quieter day - drier and warmer with just a few isolated showers.