Met Office extends UK weather warning as heavy rain and wind forecast for weekend
Strong Winds and Heavy Rain Forecast as Yellow Weather Warning Issued
Strong winds and heavy rain are expected to hit the UK this weekend, with millions of people likely to be affected by a yellow weather warning. The Met Office has warned of potential minor damage and travel disruption, particularly to ferry services. Coastal routes, seafronts, and low-lying areas may also be impacted by spray and large waves.
The warning is in place for most of England and Wales between 20:00 BST on Sunday and 18:00 BST on Monday.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday will bring frequent showers and isolated thunderstorms ahead of the worsening conditions. Although Sunday morning may start brighter, heavy outbreaks of rain are forecast to spread across the UK throughout the day, with winds strengthening in the south and west. Gales are expected to develop more widely by the evening.
Coastal and upland areas could see wind gusts of 50–60mph, strong enough to bring down tree branches and cause localised disruption. Heavy rainfall is also expected, with 10–30mm falling widely and up to 70mm possible over some western hills and mountains. Blocked drains caused by early leaf fall may heighten the risk of surface water flooding and difficult driving conditions.
Will It Be Named Storm Amy?
If the impact of the system is deemed significant, the low-pressure area could be named Storm Amy by the Met Office, Met Éireann, or KNMI, the Dutch meteorological service. However, current forecasts suggest the storm is unlikely to have widespread consequences. The situation remains under review, and the latest forecasts are expected to provide more clarity.
Changing Weather Patterns
The unsettled conditions follow several weeks of heavy rain and frequent showers, marking a notable shift in weather patterns. Despite being only halfway through September, parts of northern and western Britain have already recorded higher-than-average rainfall for the month.
This comes after the hottest summer on record, which for many areas was also exceptionally dry. With the jet stream becoming more active as autumn progresses, meteorologists say more turbulent weather is typical at this time of year.
