Bristol is forecast to see over a centimetre of rain today before 54mph gales batter the region tomorrow. The rain is set to pour heavily until around 2pm, leaving cloud cover all afternoon before the rain returns at 9pm.
Around 13mm of rain will fall on Bristol today, according to Netweather, and although it has been a windy start to the day, it will be calm this afternoon before the gales arrive from the west overnight.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) is forecast to be extremely windy all day, with gusts of up to 54mph to hit Bristol by 6pm. The high winds will stay with us until Thursday evening before picking up again on Friday as Storm Eunice lands over Bristol.
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It has been a miserable start to the day in Bristol, weather-wise, with non-stop pouring rain and some gusty winds howling through. The Met Office forecasts that the weather will ease off from around 2pm, with a milder afternoon predicted.
By 9pm tonight, the rain will be back. There is a 60 per cent chance of precipitation between 9pm and midnight tonight with a temperature of 9C, but feeling closer to 6C.
At midnight (Wednesday morning), the weather is set to intensify as Storm Dudley arrives in the UK, with a 90 per cent chance of precipitation forecast at 1am as the winds pick up. Between midnight and 8am, wind gusts will range between 29mph and 39mph.
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Between 6am and 1pm, the clouds will blanket the Bristol area as the winds continue to pick up. At 6am, the gusts are forecast to reach speeds of 34mph, and by 1pm, they will reach 40mph and will keep building throughout the afternoon.
At midday, heavy rain is forecast to return, and that will ease into scattered Irish of rain throughout the afternoon. However, the key issue tomorrow will be the high winds.
At 1pm, Bristol will see gusts of up to 40mph and that will continue to build all afternoon, reaching a peak of 54mph by 6pm. That wind will continue overnight at around 49mph, before gradually dropping down to 25mph by 6pm the following day (Thursday).
The bad weather then continues on Friday - the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Bristol from 12am on Friday morning due to the forecast gales. Storm Eunice will arrive in the early hours of the morning, with winds peaking at 56 mph gusts at 9am.
The Met Office yellow warning will be in place until 9pm on Friday evening ahead of a milder weekend, although there will still be rain and wind passing through. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “An active jet stream is driving low-pressure systems across the country, both of which are likely to cause some disruption and National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued.”
The Met Office says that Bristol should expect the following during Friday's yellow weather warning:
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- There is a small chance that flying debris will result in a danger to life, with fallen trees, damage to buildings and homes, roofs blown off and power lines brought down
- There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
- Where damaging winds occur, there is a chance that long interruptions to power supplies and other services may occur
- There is a small chance that roads, bridges and railway lines could close, with long delays and cancellations to bus, train, ferry services and flights
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Ahead of Storm Eunice, National Highways Head of Road Safety Jeremy Phillips said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.
“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.
“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”
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Met Office South West England weather forecast
Today:
It will be a wet and rather windy start to Tuesday with the rain turning heavy at times. The rain will ease for a time in the afternoon, but it will remain cloudy with further rain arriving by the evening. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
Tonight:
Outbreaks of rain will continue to spread eastwards overnight, turning heavy at times over higher ground. The winds will increase, but it will be rather mild for all. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
Wednesday:
Wednesday will be wet and windy at Storm Dudley crosses the UK. Rain will be heavy at times with coastal gales expected. Mild despite the wind and rain. Maximum temperature 14 °C.
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Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Chilly with blustery showers on Thursday. Very wet and very windy for all on Friday as Storm Eunice arrives. Drier and brighter with lighter winds on Saturday.
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