DISRUPTIVE weather is forecast next week as Hurricane Kirk is due to arrive from the Atlantic.
The arrival is expected to bring rain and wing for some, though it will have lost its status as a hurricane by the time it reaches northwest Europe.
The UK and Europe are sometimes affected by deep depressions that were originally hurricanes which have moved to higher latitudes. Such depressions are classified as "ex-hurricanes" or "ex-tropical cyclones" since they have changed their prime energy source from the warm ocean surface to the clash of warm tropical and cold polar air.
If the Hurricane Kirk reaches the criteria for naming it a storm due to its possible impacts, it would be known as Storm Kirk.
The Met Office said: "The forecast period looks most likely to be mostly unsettled, with frequent bouts of wind and rain associated with areas of low pressure.
"Frequent showers, especially over southern areas, at first, will probably (but not definitely, at this range) give way to more widespread rain and strong winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Kirk later in the week.
"Scotland and Northern Ireland are more likely to quickly turn colder with showers, and the colder weather (perhaps some sleet/snow on Scottish mountains) will most likely gradually work its way south following the clearance of ex-Kirk.
"A more settled interlude is then possible, but further spells of wind and rain, again with a focus across southern areas, are likely to arrive from the west towards the end of the period."
When will we know if there is a Storm Kirk?
Warnings are expected to come into place after the weekend as the Met Office keeps the need for them under review.
Chris Bulmer is a deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office and said: “Kirk over the North Atlantic will lose its status as a hurricane early next week before being swept towards northwest Europe.
"The resulting low pressure system will still have the potential to bring disruptive rain and winds to some areas, including parts of the UK, from the middle of next week.
“There remains much detail to work out on the exact track and timing of the system. Across the UK, parts of England and Wales look to have the greatest risk of heavy rain and strong winds during Wednesday and Thursday.
"However, a more southward track of this system, which is equally plausible at this stage, would see the most disruptive conditions impact France. The need for warnings will be kept under review over the coming days, so it’s important to stay up to date with the latest forecast.”
