THE heatwave looks set to end tonight -- after one of the hottest weekends of the summer.

Temperatures were forecast to soar as high as 27C today.

But weather watchers predict that thundery showers will hit Bolton and Manchester tonight.

And Tuesday and Wednesday could be washouts.

Mike Dukes, PA WeatherCentre spokesman, said: "The Manchester area has been dispelling a few weather myths over the past few days, but it looks like it will start to go a bit wrong from Tuesday."

Temperatures will drop from tonight, going down to around 20C during Tuesday as the weather becomes cooler and cloudier. Thundery downpours are likely.

The same unsettled forecast applies to Wednesday, too. Temperatures will drop to 19C as low pressure dominates and there will be frequent showers.

The weather improves slightly on Thursday. Temperature will rise to 21C, but there will be some rain. The weather will be more settled on Friday, however, and there will be a much-improved weekend.

Marathon athletes competing in Manchester endured humid conditions on Sunday as the Commonwealth Games city saw a high of 24C.

High levels of ozone were forecast until this evening, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) warned.

Some people were more sensitive to ozone, the spokesman said, and they may notice an effect on their breathing.

Exposure to ozone could be reduced by avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon.