Ukinsider Insider Update English (UK)
ukinsider.uk Ukinsider Insider Update
Blog Business Local Politics Tech World

Weather in Manchester Today – Hourly, Rain & Tomorrow’s Outlook

Henry James Clarke Bennett • 2026-05-16 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

Manchester is experiencing a cool spring day with cloud building through the morning. The current temperature is 10°C, but it feels closer to 8°C due to a moderate southwest wind of 12 mph. Humidity sits at 75%.

The high today is expected to reach 13°C, with light rain likely by late afternoon. Tonight’s low will drop to around 7°C, and rain chances remain at 40% through the evening.

At a glance

  • Current temperature: 10°C (feels like 8°C)
  • Rain probability: 10% this morning, rising to 60% by evening
  • Wind: 12–15 mph from the southwest, gusts up to 20 mph
  • Humidity: 75%, dropping slightly as the day warms

Key insights

  • Morning will be partly cloudy with a low chance of precipitation.
  • Rain is most likely from mid-afternoon onward, becoming more persistent toward evening.
  • Wind speeds remain moderate throughout the day, with gusts peaking in the late afternoon.
  • Today’s high of 13°C is slightly below Manchester’s May average of 15°C.
  • Humidity will stay relatively high, adding to the cool feel.
  • Tomorrow is expected to be similar, with a slight chance of morning sunshine.

Forecast snapshot

Condition Current High Today Low Tonight
Temperature 10°C 13°C 7°C
Feels Like 8°C 11°C 5°C
Rain Chance 10% 60% (evening) 40%
Wind Speed 12 mph SW 15 mph SW 10 mph SW
Wind Gusts Up to 20 mph Up to 15 mph
Humidity 75%

What is the hourly weather forecast for Manchester today?

The day starts dry and partly cloudy. As a weather system moves in from the west, cloud cover thickens and rain becomes more likely from late afternoon onward.

Morning hours (6:00 – 12:00)

Temperatures rise gradually from around 8°C at 6:00 to 11°C by midday. Rain probability stays at 10% or lower. The southwest wind is steady at 12 mph. It remains a good window for outdoor errands.

Planning tip

If you need to be outside, the morning offers the driest conditions. Rain is unlikely before 2:00 PM.

Afternoon hours (12:00 – 18:00)

Cloud cover becomes complete by 2:00 PM. The high of 13°C is reached around 3:00 PM. Light rain is expected to begin between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, with rain probability rising to 60% by 6:00 PM. Wind gusts may reach 20 mph.

Evening hours (18:00 – 21:00)

Rain continues into the evening, becoming lighter after 8:00 PM. Temperatures fall to around 10°C. Rain probability drops to 40% by 9:00 PM. Wind moderates to 10 mph.

How does the weather in Manchester change hour by hour today?

  1. 6:00 – 8°C, partly cloudy, 10% rain, wind 12 mph SW
  2. 9:00 – 10°C, partly cloudy, 10% rain, wind 12 mph SW
  3. 12:00 – 12°C, increasing cloud, 10% rain, wind 13 mph SW
  4. 15:00 – 13°C, cloudy, 40% rain, wind 15 mph SW, gusts 20 mph
  5. 18:00 – 12°C, light rain, 60% rain, wind 15 mph SW
  6. 21:00 – 10°C, light rain easing, 40% rain, wind 10 mph SW

Source data based on the Met Office – Manchester forecast.

Will it rain in Manchester today?

Yes, rain is expected later in the day. The morning will remain largely dry, but a band of light rain is set to move in from the west during the mid-to-late afternoon. The Met Office describes it as “light rain developing from mid‑afternoon, becoming more persistent towards evening.”

The rain is not expected to be heavy, but it could make the evening commute wet. If you plan to be out after 3:00 PM, carrying an umbrella is advisable.

Rain timing may shift

While the overall rain probability is high for the evening, the exact start time could vary by 1–2 hours. Check live radar or the latest Met Office update if you need precise timing.

How reliable is the Manchester weather forecast today?

Established information Information that remains unclear
Today’s high of 13°C is reliable within 1–2°C. Rain timing may shift by 1–2 hours – evening showers are likely but the exact start time varies.
Wind speeds of 10–15 mph from the southwest are consistent across all major sources. Extended forecasts (14–15 days) have lower confidence; treat as guidance, not fact.
Humidity around 75% is typical for a spring day in Manchester. Whether rain will be continuous or intermittent in the evening is still uncertain.

Why is today’s weather in Manchester cooler than average?

Manchester’s average high for May is 15°C, with a low of 8°C. Today’s high of 13°C is slightly below this norm. This is due to a frontal system moving across the North West of England, bringing cloud and cool, moist air from the Atlantic.

Spring in Manchester is often unsettled. The city sits in a region where Atlantic weather systems frequently collide with local geography, producing changeable conditions. Today’s pattern is typical of a spring day in the area.

What is the weather forecast for Manchester tomorrow?

Tomorrow will bring similar conditions. The morning may offer a brief spell of sunshine before clouds build again. Showers are likely, especially in the afternoon, but rainfall amounts are expected to be light.

Temperatures will be slightly warmer, with a high near 14°C and a low around 8°C. Wind will remain moderate from the southwest.

For a full day-by-day outlook, see our Hotels Near Manchester Airport – Parking, Shuttle & Deals article for travel planning around the weather.

What are the extended weather forecasts for Manchester (10‑day, 14‑day, 15‑day)?

Extended forecasts from the Met Office, BBC Weather, and AccuWeather show a pattern of unsettled spring weather over the next week. A warming trend is possible from Tuesday, with temperatures returning closer to the May average of 15°C.

Beyond 7 days, confidence drops. The 14‑ and 15‑day outlooks should be treated as broad guidance rather than a firm prediction. Showers and cooler conditions are possible, but longer‑range models often disagree on timing.

How to use extended forecasts

For planning beyond a week, look at the overall trend (e.g., warming or cooling) rather than specific daily highs. The Met Office updates its 7-day forecast several times daily, making it the most reliable source for Manchester.

If you are interested in how lunar events may affect your viewing plans, check our Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight – UK Times & Guide for timing and weather considerations.

Where can I find the most reliable weather forecast for Manchester?

The Met Office is the official UK national weather service and is considered the most authoritative source. BBC Weather repackages Met Office data with a user‑friendly interface. AccuWeather offers a different model with a 10‑day view. For comparison, BBC Weather – Manchester and AccuWeather – Manchester provide alternative perspectives.

Light rain developing from mid‑afternoon, becoming more persistent towards evening.

Met Office forecast for Manchester, 16 May

A cloudy day with outbreaks of rain moving in from the west by early evening.

BBC Weather Manchester forecast

Other sources like yr.no – Manchester and Sky News – Manchester Weather also offer hourly data, though they may not update as frequently as the Met Office.

What is the bottom line for Manchester weather today?

Today will be a cool, cloudy spring day with rain arriving in the late afternoon. Morning hours are best for outdoor plans. Tomorrow brings similar conditions with a slight warm‑up. For a longer outlook, stay tuned to the Met Office updates.

Frequently asked questions about Manchester weather today

What is the wind speed in Manchester today?

Wind speeds are expected to be 10‑15 mph from the southwest, with gusts up to 20 mph in the evening.

When does the sun set in Manchester today?

Sunset is approximately 20:55 BST (British Summer Time).

What is the UV index today?

The UV index is moderate (around 4) due to the cloud cover; sun protection is still advised during any sunny breaks.

Will it rain in Manchester tomorrow?

Yes, tomorrow is expected to be similar with showers likely, especially in the afternoon. Rain probability is around 50%.

How accurate is the 14‑day forecast for Manchester?

The 14‑day forecast has low confidence. It is best used as a general trend indicator rather than a precise day‑by‑day prediction.

What is the humidity level in Manchester today?

Humidity is around 75% this morning, which is normal for a spring day in the region.

Is today’s temperature unusual for May in Manchester?

Today’s high of 13°C is slightly cooler than the May average of 15°C, but not unusual. Spring weather in Manchester is often changeable.

Which weather source is best for Manchester?

The Met Office is the most authoritative. BBC Weather offers an easy‑to‑read interface. For hourly details, yr.no is also reliable.

What time will rain start in Manchester today?

Rain is likely to begin between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, but the exact timing may shift by an hour or two.

Will the rain be heavy in Manchester today?

No, the rain is expected to be light to moderate. There is no warning for heavy rain from the Met Office at this time.

Henry James Clarke Bennett

About the author

Henry James Clarke Bennett

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.