Weather forecasts are predicting 75mph winds in parts of the UK today - and motorists are being warned to take care and be prepared. It comes as a knock-on effect from Hurricane Ian on a cross-Atlantic jet stream, which is expected to bring adverse weather to the country - though it won't be anywhere near as severe as the devastating storm in the US this week.
In Northern parts of the UK, yellow weather warnings are in place for wind and rain. Heavy rain and winds between 60 and 75 miles per hour are expected for that area of the country, with the Scottish Western Isles likely to be the worst affected.
Here in Bristol, wind speeds are likely to reach highs of 39mph at around 4pm, the Met Office forecasts. Rain is also forecast from around 1pm until 9pm this evening, while the weekend looks set so far to be a bit more settled.
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Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, Paul Gundersen, added more details on what to expect: “A spell of strong winds and heavy rain will push southeast throughout the day. The strongest winds are likely to be in northern Scotland, with gusts of 65 to 70 mph in coastal parts and perhaps 75 mph around the Northern Isles.
“As well as strong winds a band of heavy rain will affect many areas of the country, however rainfall totals are expected to build in western parts of Scotland, up to 40mm in one or two places. With potentially gale force winds in these areas as well, we are expecting some disruption to travel.”
As the rain spreads southeast on Friday afternoon and evening the winds will ease a little, however those travelling should expect some difficult driving conditions. Paul added: “In areas outside of the warning area impacts from the weather will be limited, however later in the day, parts of southeast England could experience winds of around 50mph, which may bring some disruption to ferry services in the English Channel”
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “After a long period of relatively benign weather, drivers need to make sure they’re not caught off guard when this weather system sweeps in. Heavy rain and strong winds are a pretty unpleasant combination on the roads, and we advise drivers to reduce their speed and leave a larger gap between themselves and the vehicle in front."
South West England weather forecast (Friday, September 30 - Tuesday, October 4)
The Met Office says:
Today:
A bright but chilly start for many, with some mist and fog patches. Turning cloudy, wet and windy from the northwest as rain sweeps across the whole region by early afternoon. Rain clearing by the end of the day. Maximum temperature 17 °C.
Tonight:
Staying blustery overnight. Plenty of clear spells through the start of the night but a few showers moving in through the early hours of Saturday. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
Saturday:
A blustery day for many with a few showers and sunny spells in between. Chance of some more persistent rain later, most likely affecting southern parts. Maximum temperature 18 °C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Mostly dry with lighter winds than of late on Sunday, but often cloudy. Staying similar through much of Monday but chance of rain arriving for Tuesday.
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