Yellow weather warnings have been issued and there is even a risk of snow in some parts of the UK as unsettled weather conditions return this week. After glorious weather over the Easter weekend for most of the British Isles, a spell of high winds and rain is set to batter our shores.
Amid days of unsettled conditions, a yellow warning for wind on the west coast and Northern Ireland has been put in place today. But that's just the start with two more - one in the South West and another in South Wales - sounded for tomorrow as the stormy conditions continue to cause chaos.
The Met Office predicts strong winds will strike for 12 hours from 3pm. Brits have been warned to expect some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport. Forecasters also say short-term loss of power and other services is possible.
For most, sporadic showers throughout Tuesday and Wednesday will continue to make life challenging. In some places the rain will be heavy with hail and thunder with winds of 45 to 50mph could be recorded inland in Cornwall, the Mirror reports.
The new warnings come as the Environment Agency issued eight flood alerts for areas across southern England. The possibility of snow in the north of the UK has been raised.
"After a brief lull in winds through the early hours of Wednesday, west or north-west winds are expected to increase once more during Wednesday morning, then remain strong for much of the day," the Met Office said.
"Gusts of 40-50mph are expected widely within the warning area, but some coastal areas, especially in parts of south-west Wales and Cornwall, could see gusts above 60mph at times. Outbreaks of heavy rain or showers will accompany the strong winds."
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The organisation's deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates warned of further disruption - and did not rule out a return of the white stuff. He said there is "potential for heavy rainfall and even some snow, though the latter probably confined to high ground in the north".
He added: "Although subject to a large degree of uncertainty, gusts of wind could be in excess of 60mph in some exposed upland or coastal regions, with around 35mm (1.4in) to 50mm (2in) of rain possible for some areas."
But there is better news on the way. By next week, London could bask in the sun once more as temperatures are expected to hit 16C.
The Met Office's longer-range forecast suggests we won't have to wait too long for the sun to re-appear. From this Saturday, April 15 to Monday, April 24 it reads: "Saturday likely dry for many with light winds and some sunny spells, although it may be cloudier with some rain or drizzle across the southeast at first.
"Perhaps becoming cloudier from the southwest during the day with rain possible later. A chilly start probable, with some frost and a few fog patches in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, then daytime temps warming to around normal.
"A west-east split then develops over the next few days, with rain or showers mostly focussed on the northwest, although moving towards the southeast at times.
"Later in the period, a trend towards less unsettled weather more widely is likely, but especially across the south and east. Most likely feeling warm in the sunshine by day, but chilly nights still possible."
