Weather warning issues by Met Office threatening 80mph winds to batter UK

Residents in certain parts of the UK have been cautioned about powerful 80mph gusts, with those in coastal areas advised to be vigilant for rogue waves. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for extensive areas of the country, encompassing all of Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland. These warnings, in effect throughout today and extending into Sunday – when they will cover more southern regions – signal a blustery start to the Christmas breaks and festivities for many. Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders stated: “We have slightly tweaked our weather warnings as the peak winds have now shifted slightly north.

“The strongest winds are expected across the far north of Scotland on Saturday afternoon and evening, with the potential for gusts in excess of 80 mph in coastal districts including Orkney. Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard, especially in respect to causeways. This period of strong winds may lead to some transport disruption, including ferry delays or cancellations. Frequent blustery showers will also be a feature on Saturday and may merge into a longer spell of rain for a time in the far north and northwest. Those showers could turn to snow on the hills in the northwest of Scotland on Saturday evening, and then overnight and into Sunday.”

Wintry showers are on the horizon for Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, and northern England, with snow expected to accumulate over the hills, reports the Mirror.

“This chance of wintry showers extends to Northern Ireland, southern Scotland and northern England. Snow will be focused over hills, where several cm may fall, but some sleet, snow and hail may fall to quite low levels for a time, bringing possible icy conditions by Sunday morning.”

Heathrow Airport has announced that due to strong winds and airspace restrictions, “a small number of flights” will be cancelled on Saturday. A spokesperson from the airport reassured passengers: “This will ensure the vast majority of passengers can still safely travel as planned.”

They added, “We know how important travel at this time of year is and have extra colleagues on hand in our terminals to support people on their journeys. We encourage passengers to check in with their airlines for the latest information about their flights.”

In addition to the wind, new weather maps indicate potential snowfall across the UK. WXCharts’ weather maps, using Met Desk data, predict a snowy blast hitting the Scottish Highlands on Sunday, with an expected 15cm to 20cm of snow. Lighter snowfall is also forecasted for the Scottish borders, parts of Cumbria, and certain areas in Derbyshire. While the prospect of snow might excite many Brits, WXCharts estimates a modest 1cm to 5cm dusting in these regions.

The yellow warning for wind today affects several areas including Central, Tayside and Fife, encompassing Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, and Stirling.

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