Brits are set to face hurricane-force winds reaching nearly 100mph along with heavy rainfall as the weekend approaches, according to the latest weather predictions.
Following a warm end to the week with temperatures exceeding 20C, severe storms are expected to disrupt the previously calm weather. The upcoming weather bomb, anticipated ahead of ex-Hurricane Gabriella’s arrival in the UK, has prompted the Met Office to issue warnings, advising people to take necessary precautions, particularly in “sensitive areas.”
Weather maps from WXCharts, in collaboration with MetDesk, show large purple patches indicating extreme winds. The most intense winds are projected to hit the Midlands and eastern England, specifically around Birmingham and Norfolk, during the active warning period.
The forecast suggests that winds in these regions will consistently surpass 90mph, with potential for even higher speeds along the Norfolk coast, nearing 99mph to 100mph early on Sunday.
Yellow weather warnings cover various areas including the Midlands, parts of southern England, and all of Wales. The Met Office cautions that “very strong” gusts, possibly reaching up to 75mph, are expected during the active alert hours between 9pm and 3am. Inland regions may experience sub-hurricane but still powerful gale-force winds during this period.
The Met Office alert states, “Whilst not everywhere in the warning is expected to experience very strong winds, some inland locations may see gusts of 50-60 mph whilst gusts of 65-75 mph are possible around some coasts.”
Additional warnings for heavy rainfall are in place from the Midlands up to Newcastle, with some areas expected to receive between 20mm to 30mm of rain, and up to 60mm to 80mm in the worst-hit regions during the same period.
Looking ahead, the Met Office’s long-range forecast indicates further disruptions due to the potential influence of ex-Hurricane Gabrielle, which is currently affecting Bermuda. The forecast for September 25 to October 4 suggests a chance of unsettled weather, with varying conditions across the UK, potentially impacted by ex-Hurricane Gabrielle.
The upcoming week may see a split in weather patterns, with wetter conditions likely in western areas and temperatures expected to be around to above average.