Issued: 0530hrs Friday 8th February 2019
Duty forecaster: Claire Darbinyan

Severe gales are possible across the country today as a deep low pressure system brings stormy conditions. Very wet in western areas.

Good morning,

It will start cloudy, wet and windy almost everywhere this morning with the heaviest rain for northwestern parts of England and Wales and the strongest wind gusts through the Irish Sea (up to 75mph) during the early part of this morning. Severe gale force gusts are possible across Ireland, Wales and England and coastal parts of Scotland.

As the morning develops there will be further rain for most areas and heavy bursts for Wales and Cumbria. The strongest winds will focus on the western Channel, western Ireland and southwestern Scotland where gusts could reach 80mph. High temperatures will range from 7 to 11C.

Rain will continue through Friday afternoon though northeastern parts of Scotland, Wales and England and eastern Ireland could see some drier, brighter weather for a time. The focus of the strongest winds will continue to edge slowly northward but severe gales are still possible through the afternoon for a vast swath of the country.

Rain will continue to ease through Friday evening though western areas could see some drizzle or light rain persisting into the evening. Severe gales will continue to affect most areas.

Stay safe out there today!
Claire