Britain is bracing for a wet and windy weekend, as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rainfall and gusty winds set to lash several parts of the UK.
The warning, which comes into effect from Saturday morning through to early Sunday, covers a wide stretch of the country.
Affected regions include north-east and north-west England, Yorkshire and the Humber, Strathclyde, Central Scotland, Tayside and Fife, south-west Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The national forecaster has also warned of the possibility of flooding, power cuts, and disruption to travel across impacted areas.
“Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”
Met Office Issues weather warning
According to the Met Office, rainfall totals are expected to range between 20 to 40mm, with some isolated spots potentially seeing up to 100mm.
The wet weather will sweep northeastwards from Saturday, bringing with it strong, gusty winds and the risk of thunderstorms in certain locations.
This spell of inclement weather has prompted officials to urge households and motorists to remain vigilant:
- Flood risk assessments are advised for residents in vulnerable zones.
- Emergency flood kits and plans should be prepared where necessary.
- Travel disruptions could be widespread due to surface water on roads and poor visibility.
A yellow warning indicates a low likelihood of high-impact weather, but that impact could still be significant, particularly for communities in flood-prone areas.
As the nation heads into the weekend, unsettled conditions are expected to continue dominating the forecast. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Today (Thursday)
- Widespread cloud cover with bands of rain and drizzle drifting northwards.
- Wettest in western regions, with persistent blustery showers in the far northwest.
- Eastern areas are turning brighter and drier by afternoon.
- Humid conditions prevail in the south.
Tonight
- Clear skies for the far north.
- Cloudy across the rest of the UK, with ongoing rain, especially in the north and west.
- South remaining milder and muggier.
Friday
- Another gloomy day, with a blanket of cloud and outbreaks of rain pushing from the southwest through northeast England.
- Drier and warmer elsewhere.
- The southeast will enjoy the best of the sunshine and warmth.
Weather Expectation During the Weekend
Saturday
A turbulent day, marked by heavy showers and a real chance of thunder. Winds will intensify, making outdoor conditions unpleasant and potentially hazardous.
Sunday
Colder air sweeps in, driving further rain showers across the country. Conditions are likely to remain grim, particularly in the north and west.
Monday
The week starts unsettled again, with showers extending southwards. Some respite is expected later in the day as conditions gradually ease.
Advice for Travellers
If you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long drive, it’s essential to check for road closures or public transport delays due to potential flooding. Also, secure garden furniture or outdoor items that could be damaged or displaced by strong winds.
With the autumn weather beginning to show its true colours, the advice is simple: stay alert, stay dry, and stay safe. The skies might not be kind this weekend, but a bit of preparation can go a long way.
