UK Weather Alert: Strong Winds and Heavy Rain Expected

The UK is bracing for a shift in its weather patterns, with warnings issued for strong winds and heavy rain across various regions. A transition from below-average temperatures to milder air from the southwest is underway, bringing with it the potential for impactful weather conditions.

Weather Warnings and Affected Areas

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind and rain, highlighting potential travel disruption, dangerous coastal conditions, and possible power cuts. These warnings are in effect for:

• Eastern parts of Northern Ireland: Strong winds are expected on Friday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
• Southwest Scotland and parts of Wales: Strong winds are forecast from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Friday.
• Southwest and northeast Scotland: Heavy rain is expected on Friday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone noted that the strongest winds could reach around 70mph on exposed coasts and 60mph more widely within the warning areas. Rainfall of 30-40mm is likely in parts of Scotland over a six-hour period, with up to 70mm possible over higher ground.

Friday’s Weather Details

Friday will bring blustery winds and rain to many areas. Regions outside the warning zones will still experience a wet day, while those in the southeast of England may see drier conditions for longer. Temperatures are expected to rise, potentially peaking at 16°C in the southeast, which is above average for this time of year.

Weekend Outlook

Saturday is expected to be drier for many, with reduced rainfall. However, the southeast may experience lingering rain from Friday. A westerly weather regime is taking hold, meaning more wind and rain are likely. Sunday will see wet and windy weather sweep east across the UK, with a potential for further warnings as details are confirmed.

Next Week’s Forecast

The westerly weather pattern is expected to continue into next week, bringing showers and longer periods of rain at times. Temperatures will likely drop back closer to average after a few mild days. Overall, the weather next week is not expected to be as impactful as the immediate forecast.

Regional Forecasts

Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire is forecast to experience wild weather with heavy rain and strong winds over the next few days, particularly on Sunday, February 23. Peak weather timings include:

• Heavy rain: Thursday, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Friday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Wind speeds: Friday, 42mph 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM; Sunday, 48mph from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Saturday is expected to be clear and mild, with temperatures reaching up to 14°C on Friday. Overnight temperatures could drop to 3°C by Tuesday.

South West England

The South West can expect a wet and windy day with heavy rain and coastal gales. Skies will brighten somewhat in the north and west during the afternoon, but cloud will linger elsewhere with patchy drizzle. Temperatures will be mild, with a maximum of 15°C.

Friday will bring more unsettled weather with rain, heavy in places, and coastal gales. The evening will become drier, with temperatures above the February average, but not always feeling so due to the wind. Maximum temperature 14°C.

The outlook for Saturday to Monday includes sunnier spells with scattered showers, and a wet and windy Sunday in between. Temperatures will be mild over the weekend, then dropping closer to average next week.

Long-Range Outlook

From Monday, February 24, to Wednesday, March 5, cooler, fresher, and showery conditions are expected across the UK. The rest of next week and early March are uncertain, with the possibility of further spells of mild, wet, and windy weather, interspersed with colder, showery conditions. There is a risk of snow in the north. Temperatures are likely to be close to or a little above average overall.