The Met Office has issued an immediate thunderstorm warning for Greater Manchester and large parts of the north west.
The 'yellow alert' is in place between now and 7pm.
It warns of heavy showers and thunderstorms - and says the weather could disrupt travel and power in a few places.
The Met Office map for the warning covers Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and North Wales.
The Met Office website warns that some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes is possible.
It also says there is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.
And it warns that some short term loss of power and other services is likely, and there is a small chance of some flooding of a few homes and businesses.
