The United Kingdom is bracing itself for a bout of turbulent weather as it anticipates the arrival of severe winds with gusts of up to 70mph. The upcoming storm, expected to arrive on Wednesday, is likely to make travel conditions difficult and could cause disruption to daily life.
Chilly, Wet Weather to Begin the Day
Despite the summer season being in full swing, Britons can expect to wake up to a damp, wintry start to Wednesday. The day is expected to begin with chilly temperatures and sunshine, before quickly giving way to heavy thundery showers.
Yellow Weather Warnings Issued by the Met Office
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind, covering a broad range of areas including Northern Ireland, London, south-east England, south-west England, and Wales. The forecasters have warned that severe coastal gales could affect the south and west regions.
The Met Office warns that, “West or north-west winds are expected to increase during Wednesday morning, then remain strong for much of the day. Gusts of 40-50mph are expected widely within the warning area, but some coastal areas, especially in parts of south and west Wales and Cornwall, could see gusts above 60-70mph during Wednesday morning. Heavy rain or showers will accompany the strong winds.”
Possible Snow and Travel Disruptions
The cold air influx on Wednesday morning could potentially bring an “increasing risk of snow over the higher ground for parts of the UK, especially in the north,” according to the Met Office. This could cause significant travel disruptions and pose a challenge for those travelling within affected areas.
Northern Ireland, in particular, is expected to face strong winds with gusts of 45-50mph inland and 60mph along the northern coast by Wednesday afternoon.
An Atlantic low-pressure system is slowly moving eastwards across the UK, resulting in the expected strong winds, low temperatures, and heavy rain or showers in many areas.
Unsettled Weather Expected for the Week
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert has warned that Scotland may experience snowfall in upland areas overnight into Wednesday. He further added, “Some disruption due to strong winds is likely on Wednesday, especially in southern and western areas, as well as the potential for heavy rainfall and even some snow, though the latter probably confined to high ground in the north. It will be another cool day with temperatures of 7C to 10C in the west, with 11C to 13C possible in the south-east. However, it will feel colder in the strong winds.”
The unsettled weather is expected to persist throughout the week, with heavy showers and sunshine predicted for Thursday, and continuous rain in the southern region on Friday.
The upcoming weekend is anticipated to bring drier and brighter conditions, with temperatures possibly rising next week.
Preparing for the Storm
With the expected severe weather conditions, it is essential to take precautions and make necessary preparations. It is recommended to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and warnings from the Met Office.
It is also essential to secure any loose objects in the garden or outside your home that could be blown away by the strong winds, causing damage or posing a hazard to people and property. In addition, it is crucial to check on elderly or vulnerable individuals who may require extra assistance during the storm.
Conclusion
The upcoming storm is expected to bring severe weather conditions to the United Kingdom, including strong winds with gusts of up to 70mph, heavy rain or showers, and a potential risk of snow in higher ground areas. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for wind, and people are advised to take necessary precautions and stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and warnings.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, it is crucial to stay safe and prepared, secure loose objects, and check on vulnerable individuals who may require extra assistance during the turbulent weather.
