Met Office issues huge 600-mile long UK weather warning for 80mph winds

18 December 2023 , 09:45

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The Met Office has issued a huge weather warning covering three-quarters of Britain, extending all the way from the tip of the Shetland Islands down to Cambridge.

Winds reaching speeds of up to 80mph are expected to strike across a mammoth 600-mile area of the country later this week. The warning comes into place overnight Wednesday into Thursday and could last until Friday in parts. The national weather agency says "strong west to northwesterly winds" are brewing, while exact areas and timings "are yet to be fully confirmed".

There is a "slight chance" of the gusts causing danger to life from flying debris as well as large waves in coastal areas, while there is also a risk of power cuts, and road closures. The warning says: "Overnight Wednesday into Thursday, strong west to northwesterly winds are likely to develop across a large swathe of the country.

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The Met Office has issued a huge weather warning covering three-quarters of Britain (PA)

"Quite widely winds are expected to peak with gusts reaching 50-60 mph, however in some locations, such as exposed coastlines, plus over and to the east of high ground there is a chance that gusts of 70-80 mph may be seen in some populated places. The exact areas and timing of the peak wind gusts speeds are yet to be fully determined, with a chance that this event could continue into Friday for some areas too."

It comes as the Met Office has also forecast hail and snow for the week ahead for parts of the country, though others may see mild temperatures and calmer weather in a festive split. Thursday especially is set to be grim as swathes of the UK will see wet weather. Wales, the Midlands and parts of the East of England will see rain. But the north, and large parts of Scotland are due to see hail and bits of snow as well.

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

The weather warning could see wind gusts of 80mph

The wet weather is swirling in from the North Sea. Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert, said yesterday a "slow-moving front" was bring a "spell of heavy rain to northwest Scotland". He added: "Into early next week, this weather front will move slowly south and bring some rain to the remainder of the UK. As the front clears south, temperatures will return to near average. It will remain changeable through midweek, with the best of any prolonged drier spells in the south and east."

Rain and hail could are also due to strike this week (Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)

The Met Office said high pressure could move in further south and west of the UK, allowing for the "northwesterly winds to develop at times", hence the warning. It added: "This would allow some short periods where colder air affects the UK, with the potential for wintry showers in northern areas. At this stage there is very little sign of any widespread or severe cold and wintry weather."

Ryan Merrifield

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