UK weather: Met Office issues wind warning for today

A yellow warning for wind was issued as a deepening area of low pressure over the Atlantic hits the UK.

The warning covers all of England and Wales from 9pm on Wednesday and will be in place until 3pm on Thursday.

Individual forecasts have already predicted heavy rain across the region throughout Wednesday and Thursday, with the five-day forecast for the area warning of "severe gales".

The areas in England and Wales covered by the Met Office warning today

The warning is recorded as being for high winds, but the bulletin also calls for "heavy and blustery showers" across England and Wales over the course of Wednesday and Thursday.

The warning says: "Strong and gusty winds are likely to develop on Wednesday evening and continue into Thursday across England and Wales.

"Gusts of 50-55 mph are possible inland, especially close to showers.

"Gusts may reach 60-70 mph on coasts and hills, especially in the west, before gradually easing on Thursday afternoon."

As the jet stream moves across the UK, we're in for some wet and very windy weather#WeatherAware ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/gu6TbPzmof

— Met Office (@metoffice) March 9, 2021

The warnings also warns of potential delays for high-sided vehicles travelling on roads around the country, particularly on "exposed routes and bridges", as well as possible power cuts and delays to drivers and users of public transport.

London & South East England weather forecast:

Wednesday:

Cloudy with persistent rain, heavy at times for much of the day, this becoming patchier later. Strong winds throughout, with a risk of coastal gales. Rain clearing to showers overnight. Maximum temperature 11C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Heavy, blustery showers Thursday with a risk of thunder. Windy. Often windy Friday and Saturday with heavy showers, and a longer period of rain likely later Friday, clearing early Saturday.

UK long range weather forecast:

Sunday 14 Mar - Tuesday 23 Mar

At the start of this period, the weather is likely to remain unsettled, with often blustery conditions.

Further showers are expected Sunday with intermittent dry spells, with showers becoming less frequent in the south through the day, and winds easing throughout.

Southern areas are likely to see settled conditions after this, with a good deal of dry weather, though some rain remains possible at times.

However, there is more uncertainty across northern areas, where spells of rain and stronger winds are more likely at times, though still with some reasonable drier interludes.

Furthermore, some morning fog patches are likely to develop in the settled regime, these more likely in the Southwest.

There is much uncertainty in temperatures for this period, but likely to see above average temperatures for a time.