Storm clouds moving in from the Atlantic (Image: Met Office)
are bracing for a frosty start to the weekend, with strong winds and heavy rain on the horizon. Just last week, the UK basked in warm and clear skies, but despite recent rainfall, temperatures remained mild.
However, a significant chill is now setting in, with Scotland seeing temperatures plummet to -2C and widespread frost expected across the country. This cold snap is due to Arctic air moving southwards, although Saturday morning should bring some respite with clear skies and sunshine.
Nevertheless, showers may hit northern and eastern coasts, occasionally moving inland.
The brief spell of good weather will be disrupted by heavy downpours, particularly on Sunday, accompanied by robust winds, prompting the to issue a yellow warning. Wind speeds could reach 50-55mph generally and even surpass 60mph in exposed locations.
The rain, heavy at times, poses a risk of surface water and spray affecting road conditions.
Heavy rain is forecast (Image: Getty Images)
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley commented on the upcoming weather, stating: “After a drier interlude for many on Friday, Saturday and early Sunday, attention shifts to a deep area of low pressure to the southwest which will bring rain and strong winds to parts of the UK, potentially impactful for some.”
The forewarns of a blustery weekend, issuing a Yellow wind warning for swathes of southwest England and south and west Wales this Sunday. They add: “A Yellow warning for wind has been issued for much of Sunday across portions of southwest England and south and west Wales, where gusts could reach or even exceed 60 mph on exposed coasts, and 50-55 mph more widely. This system will gradually track eastwards through Sunday and into Monday and will bring another spell of wet weather fairly widely across the UK.”
The warning continues with concerns over further impacts due to rainfall: “We’re continuing to monitor the rainfall with this system, as rain falling on saturated ground in flood-hit areas has the potential to cause further impacts. Stay up to date with the latest forecast as further warnings could be issued in the coming days.”
A yellow warning for rain on Sunday (Image: Met Office)
Saturday’s forecast from the promises some reprieve, with dry conditions and sunshine for most: “Most places dry with sunny spells. A scattering of showers across northwestern parts, most frequent across Scotland. A rather cold feeling day for many with winds easing.”
The summary for Sunday through Tuesday suggests unsettled conditions will prevail: “Wet and windy weather slowly moving northeastwards across the UK through Sunday and into Monday, mainly affecting England and Wales. Gradually turning drier and brighter on Tuesday from the west.”