The UK could see its first named storm of the autumn this week, with the Met Office warning of an unsettled period featuring heavy rain and strong winds.
Atlantic weather systems are expected to sweep across the country towards the end of the week, bringing showers, longer spells of rain and windy conditions to all areas, the Met Office said. If the weather front meets the criteria for naming, it would be called 'Storm Austen' under the storm-naming system used by the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The latest bout of unsettled weather, which set in on Monday following a chilly weekend, is expected to continue throughout the week, with gales and heavy rain possible on Thursday and Friday, the Met Office said.
Snow possible in Scottish Highlands
GFS weather model maps show heavy bands of rain moving across the UK overnight from Thursday into Friday. The maps also indicate the possibility of snow over the Scottish Highlands by midday on Friday.
BBC Weather says the UK could see its first named storm of the season this week. However, it notes that the low-pressure system may take a more southerly track, meaning its impacts could be greater in France and less severe in the UK. In that case, France's national weather service, Météo-France, would name the system 'Storm Bruna'.
Storm naming criteria and forecast details
The UK's storm season runs from September to August. A storm is typically named when strong winds, heavy rain or disruptive snow have the potential to cause disruption or damage, warranting an amber or red warning from the Met Office.
The Met Office says Tuesday will be chilly and cloudy, with outbreaks of rain across much of the UK. Conditions are expected to be drier in the south-west, with some brighter spells, as winds strengthen from the west.
There is some confidence that wet and chilly conditions will persist until Friday, with temperatures remaining around average for this time of year.
Long-range outlook
In its long-range forecast for Friday, October 23 to Sunday, November 1, the Met Office says: "Changeable and at times unsettled, with weather systems spreading in from the Atlantic.
"These will bring spells of rain, heavy at times, together with a risk of strong winds or gales. Between systems it will be drier and brighter with some sunshine, but also with a few showers in places.
"Temperatures may be slightly below normal at first, but are likely to rise above average later."
