Britain will be blasted by 60mph winds, rain and chilly temperatures as wild weather takes hold at end of the week, according to weather forecasters.
A quiet day on Thursday will make way for a stormy Friday, according to the Met Office, when remnants of Hurricane Ian from across the Atlantic combine with tropical air from the jet stream to begin a low pressure period.
Heavy rain will move down the British Isles from the northeast, accompanied by gale-force winds that could reach highs of 60mph locally.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Chris Almond, said; “This will bring a much wetter and windier spell than we’ve seen so far this autumn, but nothing that is unusual for the time of year.
“The fast-moving system will bring strong gale force winds, locally in excess of 60mph, and heavy rain into the northwest before pushing quickly southeast through the day.
"We could see some minor impacts, such as surface water flooding or minor wind damage, as well as some short-lived impacts on ferry crossings, especially in exposed areas of western Scotland and eastern areas of Northern Ireland.
"Later in the day, parts of southeast England could experience winds of around 55mph, which may impact the English Channel too.”
Temperatures will also continue to drop through the weekend, with lows of 6C expected in northern areas on Monday.
The stormy forecast comes as a number of flood alerts were issued for the next 24 hours by the Environment Agency in England and Natural Resources Wales.
UK weather forecast:
Wet and windy weather sweeping east during Friday.
Today:
Cloud and outbreaks of rain across central and southwestern areas clearing away to the south through the morning. Else, another day of sunny spells, but again scattered showers developing.
Tonight:
Showers soon fading, then turning chilly across England and Wales with patchy fog developing. Becoming wet and windy in the far north later, with severe gales in the far northwest.
Friday:
Dry and bright across central and southern parts at first, but wet and windy weather sweeping east through the day. Sunny intervals and showers following into north and west later.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Blustery showers this weekend, most frequent and heavy in the northwest. Some rain possibly for a time in the far south. More rain and wind into the north on Monday
