A low-pressure system moving in from the Atlantic is expected to bring very strong winds to the northern parts of the UK from Saturday evening into Sunday.
After a generally fine Thursday, the weather in the UK will become more unsettled as we approach the Easter weekend. The most severe conditions are forecast for northern parts of the UK, particularly from Saturday evening through to the middle of Sunday, as a rapidly deepening low-pressure area—named Storm Dave—intensifies.
Several Yellow severe weather warnings for wind have been issued, covering all of Scotland, Northern Ireland, north Wales, and parts of northern England.
These medium-impact Yellow warnings may be updated as forecasts become more precise. Widespread gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected across all warned areas, with 60 to 70 mph gusts possible in exposed locations. In Scotland, the strongest gusts may reach 80 to 90 mph temporarily in certain areas.
The peak wind speeds will occur at different times as the low-pressure system progresses across the northern UK, with peak gusts in Northern Ireland anticipated earlier on Saturday afternoon, before spreading more widely across northern regions.
In addition to strong winds, heavy snow is likely to cause disruptions, particularly in northern Scotland, where accumulations of 5 to 10 cm are possible at elevations above 200 meters. Some areas could experience 10 to 20 cm of snow, and combined with strong winds, blizzards and drifting snow will pose additional hazards.
A Yellow warning for snow has also been issued for the period from 3:00 PM on Saturday to 3:00 AM on Sunday, specifically covering northwest Scotland.
Deputy Chief Forecaster, Tom Crabtree, said: “Storm Dave will form and rapidly deepen on Saturday as it approaches the UK from the west.
“By Saturday afternoon winds will strengthen significantly, with gusts of 60-70mph expected at times across parts of Scotland with the potential for gusts of 80-90mph in exposed coastal locations in Scotland. Gusts of 50-60mph are likely more widely in northern Britain.
“As well as strong winds, Storm Dave will also bring heavy snowfall over the hills in northern Scotland where up to 10-20cm of snow could accumulate. Along with the strong winds this will lead to blizzard conditions. Elsewhere there will be heavy spells of rain as the system moves through eastwards across the UK.
“With Storm Dave a few days away, people should prepare their property for the strong winds and keep updated with the latest weather forecast as the weather warnings are likely to be updated.”
