16/05/2006

Britain braced for strong winds and heavy rain

Britain is preparing for a spate of bad weather as the Met Office has predicted gales and heavy winds throughout the country for the rest of the week.

Forecasters have warned that gusts of 60 mph and more than an inch of rain are possible in some areas, as two Atlantic depressions track across the country through the next three days.

The Met Office said that western and southern areas are likely to experience the worst of the weather, with the strongest winds and most persistent, heavy rain spreading in through Thursday and Friday.

The weather could also possibly cause some disruption to travel, forecasters warned.

However, the wet weather is unlikely to ease fears about the possibility of a drought in south-east England this summer. The Met Office said that the extended dry spell, which has affected some areas of the UK, has now lasted more than 18 months, and warned that it would take a prolonged period of very wet weather to replenish water stocks to a significant degree.

(KMcA)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 May 2007
Britain set for 'wet and windy' Bank Holiday
Britain looks set to experience a cold, wet and windy Bank Holiday weekend, according to the latest forecast from the Met Office. Forecasters have predicted a mainly fine start to the weekend, but heavy rain, strong winds and much colder weather will set in across many parts of the UK. Rainfall of up to 50mm is expected in some areas.
08 November 2010
Severe Weather Conditions Hit The UK
Storms, snow, heavy downpours and strong winds are sweeping across the UK today, as the country braces itself for severe weather conditions. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are bearing the brunt of the bad weather, but the Met Office has warned that no region is likely to escape the wintry conditions.
20 October 2014
Met Office Warn Of Strong Winds And Heavy Rain
The Met Office has issued a weather warning as the remains of Hurricane Gonzalo is set to reach the UK. The forecaster has said that winds of up to 60mph and heavy rain is expected to affect most of the UK by Tuesday. A "be aware" warning has been issued for Northern Ireland, northern England, northern Wales and parts of Scotland.
17 December 2010
Big Freeze Returns To British Isles
All part of the UK and the Irish Republic are today heading for a blanket of heavy show as the Met Office predicted night-time temperatures will drop to -5C in some parts of the country.
21 February 2005
Heavy snow expected across Britain
Drivers are being warned to be extra cautious as the UK faces a weeklong spell of treacherous winter weather. Heavy snow is expected across the UK and the Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for northeast England, Yorkshire and Northern Ireland.