Brits are being warned of a blustery weekend with ferocious winds and rain driving into the South West and then spreading across the country on Sunday.
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain on both Saturday and Sunday with an unsettled picture ahead before a much improved outlook for next week with sun and temperatures rising as high as 18C.
But for the weekend there is likely to be a battering from the strong winds and plenty of rain.
The Met Office weather warning covers the South West on Saturday and runs from 1pm until 7pm.
It states: “A spell of windy and wet weather during Saturday afternoon may lead to some travel disruption.”
It says: “Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely. Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer.
“Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely and damage to trees possible. Some short term loss of power and other services is possible. It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves.”
Then more widespread yellow warnings are also in place for Sunday with similar advice to expect travel disruption.
BBC weather forecaster Tomasz Schafernaker warned people that as well as the strong wind people will need their umbrellas.
“A lot of cloud and some rain across Scotland, parts of northern England, brighter across the rest of England and Wales, and in fact some decent sunny spells through the middle of the afternoon and I think the best of the weather will be the further east you go," he said, looking at Saturday.
"But notice this curl of rain here, this is a low pressure that is swinging into the south west of the UK. Not only rain but some very strong winds, we are talking of gusts of 50mph, 60mph and maybe even 70mph so it is really going to be quite stormy around some of the coasts.”
Mr Schafernaker said it is not widespread but advised people in the South West to take care.
Then on Sunday the strong winds will cover the country with the weather impacted by a low pressure system by the west of Scotland.
"Very gusty winds right across the country, we are talking 30mph, 40mph or maybe 50mph around some exposed coasts … on Sunday it will be blustery right across the UK. Temperatures on Sunday typically between 10C and 12C so not as mild as it has been but mild enough," said Mr Schafernaker.
Looking ahead to next week and people can expect spring-like temperatures especially in the south.
"Monday a much better day, the winds will be lighter there will be some sunshine around, still some showers around northern parts of the country but in the south it really is an improving picture and that’s how it is going to be over the next few days into next week," said Mr Schafernaker.
"In fact in the south of the country temperatures could peak around 17C or 18C. So a mixed weekend but better the week ahead.”
UK forecast for the next 5 days
Turning wet and windy in the Southwest this afternoon.
Today:
Sunny spells and showers this morning, with parts of Scotland seeing some more persistent rain. Showers fading for many this afternoon when wet and windy weather with heavy rain coastal gales develops over southwest England and southwest Wales.
Tonight:
Early evening rain in the southwest moves slowly northeastwards to extend from western Scotland into northwest England, the Midlands and southern England by dawn. Windy, with gales in the west.
Sunday:
Early rain over parts of Scotland and England clears eastwards, clearing the far east late afternoon. Otherwise, sunny spells and showers. Windy with coastal gales in the north and west.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Occasionally unsettled across northern and western areas, with spells of rain and strong winds. Generally drier elsewhere, with some mist and fog overnight, before some rain develops Wednesday.
