LIGHTNING streaked the sky over Trafford last night when the heatwave was interrupted by a large thunderstorm.

Messenger readers captured some great images of the light show, which preceded a brief but intense downpour.

Normal service has now resumed, with a slightly cooler 21c average temperature estimated before today, climbing to 25c tomorrow.

Saturday is forecast to bring more thunderstorms, so have your cameras at the ready.

Photographer, Matthew Palmer, took this article's main picture in Sale. For more of his shots, flickr.com/palmprintsphotography

You can find him at palmprints photography on Facebook or via email matt@palmprints.co.uk

If you think you can beat Matthew's picture, tweet pictures to @MessengerNews_ or share them on our Facebook page facebook.com/messengernewspapers

Or email sam.editorial@messengergrp.co.uk