Met Office long-range forecast issues grim wind warning for Brits

12 November 2023 , 05:00

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A fallen tree is pictured after recent gales in Brechin, Angus (Image: PA)

Heavy winds will batter Britain this week as the unsettled November weather continues.

Gales are particularly likely by the end of this week across southern and western counties of England and Wales, the Met Office says. Its long-range forecast warns Brits of grim, wet and windy weather throughout the next few days.

There is already a weather warning for rain in place for Monday and this covers most of Northern Ireland. Even when the downpours drift, it'll be rainy and windy elsewhere by Thursday and into Friday, forecasters believe.

"This period is likely to remain generally unsettled with spells of wet and windy weather crossing most areas, but especially southern and western parts of the UK - and it could be very windy at first," the Met Office website reads.

Waves crash against the shore at Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, amid Storm Babet (PA)

It continues: "Towards the end of next week or the start of next weekend, there are signs that a brief quieter interlude could develop across many areas, as a ridge of high pressure may build from the south. It probably won't last long however, with the changeable conditions likely to return by the following week, with further bands of rain and showers for all.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

"Southern and eastern areas could perhaps see the best of any drier and brighter interludes between times, and on the whole, temperatures will be around, or a little above normal, for November."

Even at a glance into the end of the month and start of December, the weather service believes "periods of strong winds and heavy rain" are likely for most regions. The forecast often changes nearer the time though, the Met Office stresses.

As of 11pm on Saturday night, there were five flood warnings in place for England as rain is expected today and into Monday. These largely concern areas in southern England, including The Dene in the South Wiltshire Downs. There were a further 50 flood alerts in place too, at the time of writing. Environment Agency continues to encourage people to visit its website to monitor water levels in their areas.

Bradley Jolly