The UK is expected to be hit with strong winds and heavy showers for three days this week as the weather reverses sharply from sunshine this morning.
A yellow weather warning has been issued across England and Wales from 9pm tomorrow with a band of wet weather rolling in from the Atlantic, with the possibility of gusts reaching 75mph in some parts.
Bad weather is expected to start in north west Scotland on Tuesday, with a yellow wind warning issued by the Met Office for the Highlands and Eilean Siar from 5pm to 11pm.
A forecaster said severe storms were expected and could cause some disruption as rain moves south tonight. Local flooding is also expected in parts of the south as rains become heavier and more persistent through Wednesday.
The barrage of blustery showers will continue into Wednesday, with coasts battered by winds of 60mph and some inland gales in the south.
While the main band is expected to be over by Thursday, they will leave a trail of wintry showers and push temperatures into the single digits.
Parts of Wales and the south-west have already experienced temperatures of “several degrees below freezing” on Sunday evening and early Monday morning.
Meteorologist Aiden McGivern said strong Atlantic gusts bringing wind and rain were steered towards the UK by the changing jet stream.
Strong winds and heavy showers will hit the UK this week after a brief spell of calmer, sunny weather
A yellow weather warning is in effect for all of England and Wales from 9pm on Wednesday, with the possibility of gusts reaching 75mph in some parts
Person was stunned by gale force winds and massive waves in early February (stock photo by Porthcawl in Bridgend, Wales)
An intense band of rain is approaching the UK from the Atlantic and is expected to hit Scotland on Tuesday afternoon. Flood warnings are in place for parts of southern England
The Met Office warning said: “Strong and gusty winds are likely to develop on Wednesday evening and will continue across England and Wales into Thursday.
“Gusts of 50-55mph are possible inland, especially near showers.
“Gusts can reach 60-70mph on coasts and hills, particularly in the west, before gradually easing on Thursday afternoon.”
The forecaster warned that the weather could cause delays in transport and short-term blackouts and other services.
The huge setback comes two days after England enforced its first easing of lockdown restrictions as friends met in parks as pupils went back to school.
Meeting a friend for coffee on a park bench and outdoor picnics were among the first activities approved Monday.
Stormy weather is on the way, making for a calm start to the day across England, with sunshine and temperatures reaching 13°C in the south. Pictured: Bristol city center this morning
Pictured: The rising sun strikes Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great Britain at Bristol Harbor on a calm and balmy morning in the South West
Reports of stormy weather come amid an easing of lockdown restrictions that brought crowds to parks to enjoy the afternoon sun yesterday and today. Pictured: Wimbledon Commons
The schools have started their process of reopening Ministers urged students to take two rapid tests a week to weed out asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19.
According to Downing Street, nearly 57 million lateral flow test kits, which can provide results in under 30 minutes, have already been shipped to schools and colleges as part of the launch.
This morning Britain enjoyed glorious sunshine and temperatures of up to 13C in the south before the intense band of wet weather rolled in from the Atlantic.
The wind warning applies to all of England and Wales until Thursday 3 p.m.
Jim Dale, meteorologist for the UK Weather Service, previously said of the stormy weather: “This is a fairly large system which we expect to affect the UK from Tuesday to Wednesday, it could be something we are warning about.
“We expect severe gusts of wind in exposed regions later on Tuesday and through to Wednesday.
“This system, which is a double-barreled low-pressure organization, has some venom and will keep people on their toes.”
