Following on from last week’s heatwave, much of the UK can expect a spell of wet and windy weather as Storm Ellen sweeps north across Ireland on Wednesday night before dominating the weather for the rest of the week.
Met Éireann named Storm Ellen on Tuesday evening, as the unseasonably, deep Atlantic low-pressure system brings the potential for impacts to the Republic of Ireland.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Steve Ramsdale said: “Following the recent hot and thundery weather we are seeing a significant change to very unsettled conditions for August with an unseasonal spell of strong winds associated with low-pressure centres for the second half of the week”.
#StormEllen has been named by @MetEireann
Whilst the strongest of the winds look likely to affect parts of Ireland, some very strong winds are expected across western areas of the UK.
Warnings have been issued, more information here https://t.co/vdbKXpnseG
stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/5mXSp667nV
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 18, 2020
“Uncertainty remains high in the intensity of these systems at this point, but we are confident in the change to a spell of much windier weather. Tropical air associated with a decayed tropical cyclone is being drawn towards the UK, and the marked contrast between this warm and moist air with normal North Atlantic airmasses can lead to a very vigorous system.”
The Met Office has issued a wind warning for western parts of the UK from 8.00pm on Wednesday until 23:59pm on Thursday.
⚠️Yellow Weather Warning Issued⚠️
Strong winds will affect western parts of the UK
Valid from: Wednesday 2000 – Thursday 2359
More information👉https://t.co/IIeE2BRvlL
Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/uNJEhGhZDW
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 18, 2020
Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Matthew Lehnert said: “Along with the sometimes heavy rain, strong winds have the potential to cause impacts that are not common in August. With this spell of unsettled weather coinciding with trees in full leaf and a peak in the camping season, wind-related impacts are more likely at lower wind speeds compared to other times of the year, particularly across Northern Ireland where winds are forecast to be strongest.”
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “This spell of autumnal-feeling weather is going to make driving conditions very unpleasant for a lot of us over the next few days. Strong winds will mean journeys by road will take longer than usual, and could be affected by fallen branches on the roads. Add in some very intense rainfall and drivers will need to take real care to complete their trips safely.
“We urge every driver heading out to make sure their car is up to the task to avoid a breakdown in the wind and rain, especially if they’re towing or taking a longer trip – in particular check the condition and pressure of all tyres before setting out. When driving, slow down and pay close attention to high-sided vehicles and other drivers with caravans and trailers to give yourself plenty of time to react should any run into difficulties.”
Temperatures will be much lower than the last ten days. Many locations across the UK will see temperatures around normal values for August, but parts of East Anglia could still see highs of around 28.0 C on Thursday.”
You can check the latest weather warnings on our severe weather warnings pages and you can get the most accurate and up to date forecast for your area using our forecast pages and by following us on Twitter and Facebook, as well as using our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.
Whatever the weather we are all being urged to remember the Government Coronavirus guidelines.
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