The Met Office has named the first official storm of the season, Storm Austen, with a yellow weather warning in force for parts of England and Wales on Friday (October 23). The warning covers southwestern England and parts of Wales, with strong winds and heavy rain expected to cause disruption.
Winds and Rain Expected
The forecaster said: "A period of strong winds may lead to damaging gusts and transport disruption." Peak gusts in excess of 70mph are possible on the most exposed coastal areas, while 50-60mph are likely more widely within the warning area.
Storm Austen will move from west to east through Friday, with winds generally diminishing later in the day. Rain is an additional hazard, with 20-30mm in many places and higher totals possible over higher ground in the west and further north on Friday.
Warning Areas and Impact
The yellow weather warning covers London & South East England, South West England, Wales, and the West Midlands. A yellow warning for wind has also been issued, highlighting the chance of travel disruption, power cuts, and a risk of injuries from debris in places.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree said: "While the exact track and position of Storm Austen is still being determined, what's clear is that we have an impactful period of weather on the way and the potential for disruption in places, which has resulted in the system being named."
North West Outlook
While the North West has not been put under a weather warning, unsettled weather is expected over the weekend as a result of Storm Austen. The Met Office said: "Heavy rain on Friday with coastal gales, fuelled by Storm Austen. Turning drier into Saturday, with sunny spells before turning very wet and windy later. Drier but breezy on Sunday."
Temperatures will remain mild, with an 11C forecast on Friday and 15C on Saturday. Looking ahead to next week, there are signs a more changeable pattern of weather could emerge as the influence of low-pressure increases. Rain or showers are likely to affect parts of England and Wales on Monday and Tuesday, with southern areas currently more likely to see some rain.
Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: "For many, this weekend brings a window of dry and bright autumn weather, with some sunny spells and light winds as high pressure stays dominant. Overnight may feel particularly chilly, and those in eastern and southeastern areas should watch out for some heavy showers."
"There are signs that high pressure will loosen its grip through next week, allowing for lower pressure and Atlantic weather systems to have more influence by the end of the week, increasing the chance of spells of wet and windy weather for all areas," Bulmer added. "There is still some uncertainty in the likely change in weather patterns through next week with details expected to become clearer over the coming days."
