The third day ended with Australia on 113-4, trailing England by 162 runs. The hosts are in the driver’s seat, but there’s rain forecast on day four, which could bring a dramatic twist to the game.

Weather update for fourth Ashes Test: Rain forecast for day four of the England v Australia Old Trafford Test | Ashes 2023

Manchester forecast for the fourth day (July 22)

Accuweather

According to Accuweather, Manchester is set to be “variably cloudy with a couple of thunderstorms”. However, the chance of precipitation, which is around 50 per cent until noon, comes down to 34 per cent by 2pm, and staying below 40 per cent until 4pm.

BBC Weather

BBC Weather indicates “heavy rain and gentle breeze” in Manchester, with an 80 per cent chance of precipitation from 9am through the day.

Google Weather

According to Google, the chances of precipitation in Manchester range from 91 to 97 per cent between 8am and 8pm.

UK Met Office

The figures are very slightly better on the UK Met Office website, although there’s still forecast for rain.  The forecast reads: “Wet and gloomy for much of Saturday with outbreaks of rain throughout, heavy at times. A fresh breeze developing. Feeling cool under persistent rain, though humidity building into the evening. Maximum temperature 18 °C.”

Chance of precipitation ranges at 90 per cent till 11am, and is expected to be 60 per cent until 3pm, increasing to 80 per cent thereafter, before hovering at 60 per cent for most of the evening.

Updated July 21, 11 PM)

What’s the forecast for day five (July 23)?

There could still be more rain in store. There’s 80 per cent chance of precipitation forecast until 1pm, before reducing to 40-50 per cent by afternoon and evening.